tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883Mon, 21 Jan 2019 08:38:36 +0000reviewgoalsfitnessrunningvolleyball#sweatpinkgiveawaymix it upworkout wednesdaysyogasponsoredfashionfeel the burnrecipesracefit fashionLex Localproteinbeautyfit foodtravel#awesomeinaugustfit technologyrace recaprecoveryfitbitindoor cyclingtrainingweight lossworkoutbeauty time outhalf marathonrunning resolutionsfantasy fitness fashionsports bra#NapRunATeam#NapRunClassic#wowlinkupAnnapolis Running ClassicBibRave ProFriday Fivemotivationnikeunder armour#ThursdayThrowdownLex LandingThursday Throwdown10kHIITswimmingtabata#ad#bibchat#ttlinkupExtend YogaMeatless Mondayactive wearbingoblogfestbloggingcardiocyclingliftinglinkupmarathonrun this yearspinstrength#sponsoredFeaturedRunGoSIX:02Whole 30adidasbikingbreakfastconditioninglululemonmizunonew balanceprAnaroad runner sportsrock climbingshoessnacksstudio reviewworkout review#WBWAlinkupDIYWOW linkupambassadorasicsbook reviewcoffeeeverything burnsfitness apphealthhikinghydrationlifemoving comforttreadmillvolleyball conditioningwhat i didworkout playlist#OnAQuest#foamfanatics#pranafallstyle#pranagifted#pranastyle#sweatpinkpartnerAmerican Odyssey RelayENERGYbitsGarminGixoInfluensterOld NavyQuest NutritionReed ReadsThe Fitness SnobThe Vitamin ShoppeTravel Tuesdaybodypumpbrooksdisc golffableticsgive backkickboxingmusicrace previewresolutionssaucesscandal bingosparkling mineral watersporting goodsstretchtrail runvolunteerwbwa#DDPerks#FittDC#Freekeh#FuelYourAwesomeness#IAmLimitless#LoveFreekeh#MeatlessMondayNight#MichelobULTRA#SparklingDetox#SummerStrong#VSSportBra#WINdetergent#empoweredathlete#fitfluential#fuelyourbetter#gixofit#motivationmonday#pikeandrose#rungo#socialmediasaturdays#vegafuel#vegasport5kAdventure RunCherry Blossom 10-Mile RunCity SportsCyclebarGerolsteinerGlobal Running DayIDEAworldMCMMCRRCMaryland livingMichelle ObamaMilestone PodNUUNNational Running DayOhioShower PillSkratchSky House YogaSport & HealthStatusphereTasty TuesdayThe Yoga CollectiveVictoria's SecretVirginiaZengobarrecleancross fitdairy-freedietdietbetdiscount codegirls on the runhigh intensity interval traininginterview with an athletemapmyfitnessmud raceparkourrelaysmoothiesockssolidcoretechnologytraintriathlonvacationwalking dead bingowinterwish list#1MillionMinutes#1ShotProtein#4kby4pm#AMRAPNutrition#AwareWithPink#BodybycBooth#ConsciousByChoice#DMVFitnessFam#DannonAtWM#DrinkClick#Groupon#HydrationNation#IC#IGotThis#LiveFrelii#LiveULTRA#MC#NewYearNewYou#RunWiththeMarines#SidelineMeat#SportBraBreakup#TabioRunning#TabioSports#TabioUSA#TheNewHealthy#UbKAndWalmart#WithUSheCan#comfortevolved#grouponcoupons#ilikebeer#likeagirl#livelikeyoumeanit#pranaspringstyle#raisethebar#roadtonationals#rxbar#shootmytravel#simplyearth#sweathardsmellgreat#sweatpinkDMV#wildworkoutwednesday1ShotProtein201320179RoundAnabellBarack ObamaBob's Red MillBulu BoxCHRVACXWORXChampionDTSSDiscover ArlingtonDiscover the DistrictEat SpecialFeel SpecialFit and FlirtyFitDCFitFluentialGapGo Dash DotImmortal Body WorkoutJoe BidenKettlebell ChicksKing Crab ChallengeMoltenNational ParksNess2015NeutrogenaNew YearNike RunningNike WomenNokia HealthNutrition53OlympicsPike & RosePike Central Farm MarketPilates reformerPowerTrainRXBARRagnarSLS3SchwinnShoot My TravelSilkTeam ChallengeThanksgivingThe Color RunThe Weekly ChaseThrowback ThursdayUSAVUltimate Coffee DateVegan1Vixen WorkoutVoxBoxWashington Sports ClubWednesday WishlistWeekly Wrapall naturalannual recapbike to workbirthdaybrunchcheesecircuit trainingcorecostumecouch to 5Kcrock potdetoxendurancefear the walking dead bingofitness stylefluidity barrefoodfood prepfootbalancefootballfreekehgaiamgift ideashonest teahungry girlinjuryinspirationjump trainingkettlebellsknee padslifestyleliving socialmakeupmarikamascaramcmizuno wave tornado 8paleopalm oil freepilatespodcastspost-workoutpro compressionpromo codepumapure proteinreebokrestaurantrimmelsafetysaladsavingsspeed trainingstep aerobicssuperfoodsweatembertrain at homevegetarianversaclimbervolleyball shoeswalkingwednesday wonderfulzworld cupworld cup bingozumbaFlecks of LexA fitness, lifestyle, and wellness blog. Based out of the DC Metro Area (Maryland specifically), this blog focuses on fitness, volleyball, lifestyle, health, beauty, gym/studio reviews, and fitness fashion.http://www.flecksoflex.com/noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)Blogger334125flecksoflex/BYkBhttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-1246149801160578400Wed, 02 Jan 2019 00:15:00 +00002019-01-01T19:32:36.392-05:00coreeverything burnsstrengthworkoutEverything Burns: 30-Minute Strength and Core Circuit Workout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKB6v_L5qS0/XCwBrflx7lI/AAAAAAAAu-8/5mGcZUKuVlIXryxKafEHH5KQiP-zRPpRACLcBGAs/s1600/curls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKB6v_L5qS0/XCwBrflx7lI/AAAAAAAAu-8/5mGcZUKuVlIXryxKafEHH5KQiP-zRPpRACLcBGAs/s640/curls1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Disclaimer: Always consult your&nbsp;physician&nbsp;before beginning any exercise program.*</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is a 30-minute strength and core circuit. This circuit targets your posterior chain, biceps, triceps, and core. You want to begin the workout with a 3-minute warmup (included below), and make sure you end with a cool down and stretch. <br /><a name='more'></a><b><br /><b>Equipment Needed:</b><br /></b><br /><ul><li>Medium Dumbbells</li><li>Barbell* (can use heavy weights as an alternative)</li><li>Rope Attachment&nbsp;(can use a medium-heavy dumbbell&nbsp;instead to do tricep&nbsp;extensions)</li><li>Exercise mat&nbsp;(optional)</li></ul><b style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></b><b style="font-weight: bold;">Format:</b><b> </b>5 exercises, 4 rounds, 60-second recovery in between each round.<br /><div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Exercises:</b></div><ul><li>Good Mornings</li><li>Dumbbell Curls</li><li>Halos</li><li>Tricep Pushdowns</li><li>Dead Bugs</li></ul><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b><b>3-Minute Warmup to Get Your Heart Rate Up:</b></div><ul><li>30 seconds high knees</li><li>30 seconds butt kicks</li><li>30 seconds jumping jacks</li><li>30 seconds squats</li><li>60 seconds lunges (30 seconds on each leg)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuazFS57gAU/XCv-cRutN-I/AAAAAAAAu-s/-nJZEgf6w448TlX41SeqeEWzZsX4qpv2gCLcBGAs/s1600/30%2BMinute%2BStrength%2BCircuit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="572" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuazFS57gAU/XCv-cRutN-I/AAAAAAAAu-s/-nJZEgf6w448TlX41SeqeEWzZsX4qpv2gCLcBGAs/s1600/30%2BMinute%2BStrength%2BCircuit.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i>Let me know if you try out this workout! I want to know how your hamstrings feel the next day. :-)</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/dAz9jeoAhrA/everything-burns-30-minute-strength-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2019/01/everything-burns-30-minute-strength-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-8863212454528492937Tue, 01 Jan 2019 02:47:00 +00002018-12-31T21:47:16.130-05:00#motivationmondaygoalsmotivation10 Things I'm Bringing With Me to 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDi9OGRATik/XCrATz1nPcI/AAAAAAAAu84/W3Nkf7nzOmg1qi0IK1NTpRmjf4kxnhZPgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180702_115257%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="La Jolla Cove with sea lions" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDi9OGRATik/XCrATz1nPcI/AAAAAAAAu84/W3Nkf7nzOmg1qi0IK1NTpRmjf4kxnhZPgCLcBGAs/s640/20180702_115257%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="La Jolla Cove" width="480" /></a></div><br />So I told you what I'm leaving <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/12/10-things-im-leaving-behind-in-2018.html" target="_blank">behind in 2018</a>, so let me tell you what I'm taking with me into the new year! This list comprises different mindsets, actions, and items I want to bring with me into 2019 so that I can have as productive and successful a year as possible.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><ol><li><b>An optimistic outlook - </b>I ended the last quarter of 2018 with a bang, and I'm hopeful and optimistic about keeping the good energy rolling into 2019! With a new career that I'm super excited about, a healthy work environment, and an unmatched support team of family and friends, I am so ready to take on 2019!</li><li><b>Taking "me" time </b>- A good massage every once in a while is such an amazing investment, and I'm so sad it took me so long to realize this! I want to make sure I continue to take some "me" time every so often. Both my mind and body benefit from it, and tuning everything out for an hour is so necessary sometimes! The infrared sauna is also a new friend of mine, and I'm so glad I met her! In 2019, I'd like to <i>finally&nbsp;</i>give cryotherapy a try.<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zn4NyYexn8/XCrD1as16UI/AAAAAAAAu9E/FK1EXcDAIhgnZ3LGu3neYXBaCFKj-3gqACLcBGAs/s1600/Prana%2BOutfit%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="prana fitness clothing" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zn4NyYexn8/XCrD1as16UI/AAAAAAAAu9E/FK1EXcDAIhgnZ3LGu3neYXBaCFKj-3gqACLcBGAs/s640/Prana%2BOutfit%2B4.jpg" title="prana clothing" width="640" /></a></div></b></li><li><b>Prana </b>- I love their casual clothing, and I love that I actually have free time now so I can <i>wear&nbsp;</i>casual&nbsp;clothing! Now that I'm working a job with more regular hours, I can actually go and do stuff after work and on the weekend! You know, like visit my unmatched&nbsp;support team and, I don't know, go see a movie or something. The <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/11/prana-cozy-gear-is-everything.html" target="_blank">Prana Cardiff Collection</a>, as well as their jeans, have gotten me through the holidays and other casual events. I just love how the hemp items don't get funky or seem to collect a lot of food smells - something that I was particularly aware of when I was&nbsp;living out of a suitcase for the last week. This isn't meant to be a sponsored post or anything. I'm just so excited that I found a brand that has jeans that make my booty pop <i>and </i>are eco-friendly! They rock, and I'm so glad I got to work with them this year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFkKXR8qZa0/XCrE9Y_EM8I/AAAAAAAAu9g/LR-7McBDDqIeRmU7WEKLpe8wlPMlnfU4QCLcBGAs/s1600/20181213_225422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wildscape Foods" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFkKXR8qZa0/XCrE9Y_EM8I/AAAAAAAAu9g/LR-7McBDDqIeRmU7WEKLpe8wlPMlnfU4QCLcBGAs/s640/20181213_225422.jpg" title="WIldscape Foods" width="360" /></a></div></li><li><b>Healthy prepared meals </b>- Instead of thinking I can do ALL. THE. THINGS. ALL. THE. TIME,&nbsp;I finally admitted to myself that sometimes I need a little extra help. Starting this fall, I started picking up some easy meals to microwave on nights where I'm super busy,&nbsp;or where there's a short window where I can eat before I restart my fasting. (I'm definitely bringing intermittent fasting with me into 2019, btw.)</li><li><b>Udemy courses to help me become a better, smarter me. </b>I seriously love Udemy! I never heard of it until I attended BlogFest this year, but it's amazing! The first course I took was on Google Analytics, and I used that knowledge to pass the test to receive my Google Analytics Certification! I know that sounds super nerdy, but now that I have left my career in government/politics, and have begun my career as a marketing and communications director, this is really valuable for me! I've signed up for a bunch of classes recently (I love those $9.99 deals!), and am probably most excited about my graphic design class.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnCNxP0t4hg/XCrGUlv9eWI/AAAAAAAAu-U/tFblnEhJ1KEf4k29L_Mbp6EbPPwxmN70gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6622.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DMV Fitness Fam at Vortex Cycle in Tysons Corner, Virginia" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnCNxP0t4hg/XCrGUlv9eWI/AAAAAAAAu-U/tFblnEhJ1KEf4k29L_Mbp6EbPPwxmN70gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6622.HEIC" title="DMV Fitness Fam" width="480" /></a></div></li><li><b>DMV Fitness Fam</b>&nbsp;- If you didn't know, I co-founded a new, inclusive fitness community in what is known as the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) with my friend <a href="https://www.healthycurvesrock.com/" target="_blank">Vida Bratton</a>. We have hosted a few events now, and we have a bunch more in store for 2019! I am so fortunate to have met some amazing people through <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dmvfitnessfam/" target="_blank">DMV Fitness Fam</a>, and can't wait to make even more friends as we grow DMV Fitness Fam in 2019.</li><li><b>A spirit of exploration, metaphorically and literally.</b>&nbsp;I have enjoyed hiking over the years, and have gotten a little more serious about it in 2018. In 2019, I want to explore a little further, and maybe even go on a few more solo hikes. I'd also like to try some new things outside of fitness, such as some artistic endeavors or building things on my own. That spirit of exploration has allowed me to find joy in unexpected places, and I think has made me a more well-rounded person.</li><li><b>More patience with things that matter, less patience for foolishness. </b>I dealt with a lot of foolishness in 2018, and I think that made me impatient at times when I really shouldn't be. This year, I'm not suffering as many fools <i>or</i>&nbsp;foolishness, and I'm going to focus on being more patient with the things that truly matter.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Learning more about how my body works. </b>I did some fitness genetic testing, and I would like to do a body scan. The testing really taught me a lot about my body, and I just want to keep learning more! The knowledge I've attained thus far has enabled me to make some tweaks to my fitness routine that have made it a little easier for me to lose weight and get more sleep (read: recover better!). In 2019 I want to learn <i>all the things</i>!</li><li><b>The love of travel</b>&nbsp;- I didn't get to travel as much in 2018 as I would've liked, but I'm going to continue loving travel and will seek out more opportunities to tap into this love throughout the year. Stay tuned!</li></ol><br />Here's what some of my fit friends are bringing with them:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s96bD2oeWC0/XCp5DSdsW7I/AAAAAAAAu6M/ZGXiCaOWcqUByPv_fPRUxsqrd_FqDxxEQCLcBGAs/s1600/Emily-070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Emily Hardeman" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s96bD2oeWC0/XCp5DSdsW7I/AAAAAAAAu6M/ZGXiCaOWcqUByPv_fPRUxsqrd_FqDxxEQCLcBGAs/s640/Emily-070.jpg" title="Emily Hardeman" width="426" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">As 2018 draws to a close and the calendar flips to 2019 simplicity is the top of mind for me. Simplifying life in as many ways as possible is my priority. Not only does simplification create more ease it creates more space for new and better things to arrive into. In the later months of 2018, I worked on simplifying my finances and wardrobe. In early 2019 I am going to be focused on simplifying everything from my weekly meal prep process to my workouts. Simplicity creates more mental clarity, there is less to think and worry about. Because life is more organized it creates more time that can be spent on new and/or more fulfilling things. It creates a sense of freedom that can open new doors to make way for a better life. So here is to a simple and streamlined 2019! </blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://emilyhardeman.com/" target="_blank">Emily Hardeman</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, Personal Trainer &amp; Massage Therapist</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUeyss94-v4/XCp5jGbki5I/AAAAAAAAu6c/oqYK7em8FsA8mbGJutOhOD_bKZoIHbnDwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tikima%2Bblack%2Band%2Bwhite%2B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tikima Renee Fitness" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1405" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUeyss94-v4/XCp5jGbki5I/AAAAAAAAu6c/oqYK7em8FsA8mbGJutOhOD_bKZoIHbnDwCLcBGAs/s640/Tikima%2Bblack%2Band%2Bwhite%2B.jpg" title="Tikima Renee Fitness" width="562" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">For years, I have equated mindfulness with meditation, but I slowly learned in 2018 that mindfulness is about so much more than meditation. Mindfulness is just about being present, aware of who you are, what you are doing, how you are feeling, etc. 2018 was the year of meditation and I am excited to explore the realm of daily mindfulness in 2019.</blockquote><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.tikimareneefitness.com/" target="_blank">Tikima Renee</a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Group Fitness Instructor</i><br /><i><br /></i> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DAndD_xfWc/XCqKtQZBENI/AAAAAAAAu7E/cPRhtqWKKfAQCw6PFVzhEtwg34qup6PmgCLcBGAs/s1600/LynLindbergh.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lyn Lindbergh Couch to Active" border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="574" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DAndD_xfWc/XCqKtQZBENI/AAAAAAAAu7E/cPRhtqWKKfAQCw6PFVzhEtwg34qup6PmgCLcBGAs/s640/LynLindbergh.png" title="Lyn Lindbergh Couch to Active" width="406" /></a></div><i><br /></i><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">My green velvet couch is most definitely coming with me. It’s where I make my best decisions. </blockquote>Lyn Lindbergh<br /><i>Author, </i><a href="http://www.couchtoactive.com/" target="_blank">Couch to Active</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_K66eyw6fE/XCqMBe7fKLI/AAAAAAAAu7U/yt63jYxLn78r5kc3Wb4ywWgBxc92WvNDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nicci%2BHoward.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nicci D'Amico Howard Stress Less Fat Loss" border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1091" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_K66eyw6fE/XCqMBe7fKLI/AAAAAAAAu7U/yt63jYxLn78r5kc3Wb4ywWgBxc92WvNDQCLcBGAs/s640/Nicci%2BHoward.jpg" title="Nicci D'Amico Howard Stress Less Fat Loss" width="640" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">The thing I want to bring is the word I focused on for 2018, and add onto it. Last year's word was "calm," this year's is "success." I know I can't be successful if I'm not calm. I'm pretty high-strung, so remaining calm (with my kids and with business duties alike!) will help me move more towards my successes with the right mindset. </blockquote><a href="https://www.niccidamicohoward.com/" target="_blank">Nicci D'Amico Howard</a><br /><i>Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist</i><br /><i><br /></i><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>What are you bringing with you to 2019? What were some of the highlights of your year that you'd like to expand on for the upcoming year. Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!</i></b></div></div>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/yDyBbkpw2P4/10-things-im-bringing-with-me-to-2019.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/12/10-things-im-bringing-with-me-to-2019.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-1139048853698026710Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:17:00 +00002018-12-31T19:17:57.893-05:00goalsmotivation10 Things I'm Leaving Behind in 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mCZDhmSuv0/XCqahMiFbdI/AAAAAAAAu7o/qQBrcRlvua8gtUH6V53j6hFmBdr8YsqJACLcBGAs/s1600/P6100741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mCZDhmSuv0/XCqahMiFbdI/AAAAAAAAu7o/qQBrcRlvua8gtUH6V53j6hFmBdr8YsqJACLcBGAs/s640/P6100741.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I know we've all seen a bunch of posts on social media with folks reflecting on their year, posting their&nbsp;favorite members, and talking about their resolutions for 2019. At the end of each year, I like to reflect on the year and recalibrate for the upcoming year. I don't necessarily do "resolutions" in the traditional sense, but I'm all about setting goals throughout the year anyway, so why not set some more at the dawn of a new year?<br /><br />So this year, I'm trying something new: I'm choosing 10 specific things I'm leaving behind in 2018, for real for real. Throughout the year, I told myself to stop doing these things, but I'm stubborn and hard headed so I didn't even listen to myself. Now that I'm throwing it out there in the universe (otherwise known as the internet), I have to do them, right?<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hohxhUFW07w/XCqba9d0P5I/AAAAAAAAu7w/qCMEKfyydVAiUC5FUsCi_WhRcLpINTARQCLcBGAs/s1600/P6110138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hohxhUFW07w/XCqba9d0P5I/AAAAAAAAu7w/qCMEKfyydVAiUC5FUsCi_WhRcLpINTARQCLcBGAs/s640/P6110138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><ol><li><b>Overbooking myself with activities, and underbooking myself with relaxation and recovery. </b>This was a big problem for me this year. I often scheduled myself for one or two things after work and two or three things per day on the weekend. This resulted in some serious exhaustion and a fragile immune system towards the end of this year.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Poor time management when it comes to my business. </b>Yikes. This one took a while for me to realize, but now that I've admitted it to myself, I have no choice but to improve here. I learned this phrase this summer, and I've been trying to apply it more frequently: <i>Eat the frog.</i> This sounds disgusting, but it really does help with planning and time management. <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/1592454/work-smart-do-your-worst-task-first-or-eat-live-frog-every-morning" target="_blank">The idea</a> is to do the worst thing first (which, for me, is usually the most time-consuming and boring activity), and then everything else seems so much easier. I have all of the tools I need to set myself up for success - I just need to make the time to use them!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INWIp9iH2wY/XCqkvamz0yI/AAAAAAAAu8Y/7nyDKYHRihgF-NePxSpC8j-wFeDeRWrzgCLcBGAs/s1600/race_2143_photo_34699195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INWIp9iH2wY/XCqkvamz0yI/AAAAAAAAu8Y/7nyDKYHRihgF-NePxSpC8j-wFeDeRWrzgCLcBGAs/s640/race_2143_photo_34699195.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></li><li><b>Not running. </b>I signed up for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run... AND I GOT ACCEPTED! I really love this race, but due to special circumstances, I haven't been able to run it the last two years. I signed up to make myself train. I have been missing running a lot lately, so I think it's time to pound some pavement again!&nbsp;</li><li><b>Skipping strength training. </b>In order to make sure that I am on track with my running, volleyballing, and cycle teaching, I really need to make sure to incorporate more weight training into my weekly schedule.&nbsp;</li><li><b>All the sugar I ate in the month of December! </b><a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/12/how-ive-stayed-active-while-eating.html" target="_blank">No further explanation needed.</a>&nbsp;</li><li><b>Lame excuses</b>&nbsp;- I've had so many lame excuses as far as why I'm skipping a workout or not doing something that will really help me out in some way or another. Fortunately, with a new job and a more positive outlook, I think I can do a much better job with cutting out lame excuses. I have more time, energy, and happiness in my life heading into 2019!<div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgeWtE1hxws/XCqeRpTdgOI/AAAAAAAAu8M/BhmfrF9wBtopFRfkfQb9F9Gh931Frj9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180310092851_1-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1026" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgeWtE1hxws/XCqeRpTdgOI/AAAAAAAAu8M/BhmfrF9wBtopFRfkfQb9F9Gh931Frj9lgCLcBGAs/s640/20180310092851_1-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></li><li><b>Just being a substitute indoor cycling instructor. </b>I know I shouldn't say "just," because substitute&nbsp;teaching a few dozen indoor cycling classes was&nbsp;<i>amazing&nbsp;</i>for&nbsp;me this year! I got to practice teaching to different types of students, at different hours of the day, in different gyms, and on different days of the week. I loved it! BUT, as I announced on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flecksoflex/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flecksoflex/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> earlier today, I will have two classes of my own on the schedule at <a href="https://www.sportandhealth.com/locations/north-bethesda" target="_blank">my gym</a>, starting <i>THIS</i>&nbsp;<i>THURSDAY!</i>&nbsp;I'll be teaching on Tuesday evenings at 6:45 p.m. and Thursday mornings at 7:00 a.m. I cannot wait!&nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcX-78CP2iY/XCqs3BcDgFI/AAAAAAAAu8s/uOaMSa16unwb29-a8269JAGK9jUTeWIhwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170826_123417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcX-78CP2iY/XCqs3BcDgFI/AAAAAAAAu8s/uOaMSa16unwb29-a8269JAGK9jUTeWIhwCLcBGAs/s640/20170826_123417.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></li><li><b>The packaging on my tent </b>- I need to crack that bad boy open and take it on a camping trip! I have had this tent for over a year now, and I have not used it once. Shameful. I am hoping to get in at least two camping trips this year. I had so much fun last time!</li><li><b>Too much comparison, not enough action. </b>"Comparison is the enemy of progress." Ain't that the truth? Sometimes I find myself comparing what I'm doing to what someone else in a similar space is doing. It doesn't happen all the time, but I always feel a little grossed out with myself when I catch myself doing it. "<i>Focus on yourself, homegirl</i>," is what I have to remind myself. The truth is, the less time I spend comparing myself to other people, the more time I have to make stuff happen!</li><li><b>At least another 10 pounds - </b>I did such an awesome job with losing weight and getting myself into better shape, but I still have a ways to go. If I can shed at least 10 pounds before June 1 - which is totally realistic - and keep the weight off, I'll be golden going into the summer! I really want to teach some outdoor&nbsp;bootcamp&nbsp;classes this summer, so I have to continue to slim myself down so that I'm ready for it!</li></ol><br />So there you have it! I'll check in around June and see how I'm doing with these things, and I'll share updates with all of you beautiful people!<br /><br />Here's what some of my friends are leaving behind:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Nh5O_RDY40/XCqKdnrQQ6I/AAAAAAAAu64/u34ZCqtYH9sEdLDumLFCbXc9J31zLrquwCLcBGAs/s1600/Lyn%2BhighRes-P21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Nh5O_RDY40/XCqKdnrQQ6I/AAAAAAAAu64/u34ZCqtYH9sEdLDumLFCbXc9J31zLrquwCLcBGAs/s640/Lyn%2BhighRes-P21.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">I spent much of 2018 frustrated over health issues that cost me so much time, money, and productivity. Looking back, it was an amazing year and my frustration did not help me at all. This year I am going to let go of my frustration and make the best of it. Just because I don’t feel well doesn’t mean I can’t be well.”</blockquote><div style="text-align: right;">Lyn Lindbergh</div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Author,</i> <a href="http://www.couchtoactive.com/" target="_blank">Couch to Active</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_K66eyw6fE/XCqMBe7fKLI/AAAAAAAAu7U/yt63jYxLn78r5kc3Wb4ywWgBxc92WvNDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nicci%2BHoward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1091" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_K66eyw6fE/XCqMBe7fKLI/AAAAAAAAu7U/yt63jYxLn78r5kc3Wb4ywWgBxc92WvNDQCLcBGAs/s640/Nicci%2BHoward.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">I'm not a leave behind type of person, I like to bring all the lessons with me. And this year is no different. I can come up with 1 thing I'm leaving behind. That is procrastination! (I say that every year...and I get better and better each year 🙂)</blockquote><a href="https://www.niccidamicohoward.com/" target="_blank">Nicci D'Amico Howard&nbsp;</a><br /><i>Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist </i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>What are you leaving behind in 2018? What steps are you going to take to get there?</i></b></div></div>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/nWJ2tlgk5MY/10-things-im-leaving-behind-in-2018.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/12/10-things-im-leaving-behind-in-2018.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-8969638026277936178Sun, 30 Dec 2018 06:10:00 +00002018-12-30T01:11:16.396-05:00Cyclebarindoor cyclingLex LandingOhiostudio reviewtravelworkoutworkout reviewHow I Stayed Active While Eating Cheesecake All Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEXRP3BB2Fk/XChUUAYthFI/AAAAAAAAu34/fsncQJ4lOtsKqxARMDqyMtDd_XpvZpP2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181223_182512_670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hiking along a park trail" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEXRP3BB2Fk/XChUUAYthFI/AAAAAAAAu34/fsncQJ4lOtsKqxARMDqyMtDd_XpvZpP2ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181223_182512_670.jpg" title="smiling on a park trail" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've eaten a lot of stuff I normally wouldn't eat - and in very large quantities - while I've been visiting my future in-laws this week. Pies and cake and cookies OH MY! I don't even have a sweet tooth, but I have been going HAM on pastries. Which brings me to the next problem - ham. And pork.<br /><br />I don't eat these things, but I've sucked it up and eaten a fair amount so as not to put anyone out or be difficult. I don't avoid eating "the other white meat" because of religious reasons or anything. It's really just a personal choice. But man. I had these sausages at a family friend's house that nearly had me break dancing in the kitchen, they were so good!<br /><br />And so, after eating and eating and eating just a couple of days in, my pants started getting tighter and tighter, and I realized I needed to get my butt up and moving a lot more than what I was doing <b style="font-style: italic;">after</b>&nbsp;getting in my 10 burpees upon arrival in Ohio. (We drove, so I just needed to move!) Hat tip, once again, to <a href="http://jamiekingfit.com/" target="_blank">Jamie King</a> for introducing me to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/burpeesorbust/" target="_blank">#BurpeesorBust Challenge</a>!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yET6EGfZkSE/XChXulcFg-I/AAAAAAAAu4w/LbDRLas-vXsuHmEKOotJmz4VSZ8jGrrKACLcBGAs/s1600/20181223_154647%25280%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="park in Bath, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yET6EGfZkSE/XChXulcFg-I/AAAAAAAAu4w/LbDRLas-vXsuHmEKOotJmz4VSZ8jGrrKACLcBGAs/s640/20181223_154647%25280%2529.jpg" title="park in Bath, Ohio" width="360" /></a></div><br />First, we went for a 2-ish-mile hike, a good 1/4 of which was in the mud. It was great to get my steps in and my heart rate up, plus the fresh air was so necessary after breathing in nothing but sugar for days (it seemed). The Akron area really has a lot of great trails, so it was nice to get out and try a new one with my future mother- and father-in-law. It wasn't too cold as far as hiking whether goes, and it was not terribly windy or raining so we could tackle this loop trail.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh8R-tXrwho/XChXDDwFxmI/AAAAAAAAu4o/DZg-nLEErSka9yNG34mAk8xqShAj_lBlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20181223_174715_620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red barn" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh8R-tXrwho/XChXDDwFxmI/AAAAAAAAu4o/DZg-nLEErSka9yNG34mAk8xqShAj_lBlQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_20181223_174715_620.jpg" title="red barn in Bath, Ohio" width="360" /></a></div><br />When we moved to a different family member's home for the second half of our trip, we had access to a home gym in the basement. I kicked my own butt when I finally dragged it down there, and I'll be sharing that workout with you guys in the next couple of days. (I shared it to my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flecksoflex"><span id="goog_1967190298"></span>Instagram<span id="goog_1967190299"></span></a> story while I was doing the workout.) I will just say this: My hamstrings are so sore, and DOMS is a mofo for real!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGwVBv_YDs8/XChdXfkZEeI/AAAAAAAAu5U/cg5bL-7Sjo4aAgZXMvklP1ICR-WrHjcNQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181227_133532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="holding dumbbells" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGwVBv_YDs8/XChdXfkZEeI/AAAAAAAAu5U/cg5bL-7Sjo4aAgZXMvklP1ICR-WrHjcNQCLcBGAs/s640/20181227_133532.jpg" title="holding dumbbells" width="360" /></a></div><br />When I was here for the holidays last year, I <i style="font-weight: bold;">really</i>&nbsp;wanted to take a spin class, so I Googled cycle studios and found nothing resembling anything I was familiar with. Whomp, whomp. This year, things were different! I found out that there was this town called Hudson that had some of the boutique studios we have in our area, namely <a href="https://hudson.cyclebar.com/">Cyclebar</a>, <a href="https://hudson.orangetheoryfitness.com/">Orangetheory</a>, and <a href="http://purebarre.com/oh-hudson/#healcode">Pure Barre</a>. I also had heard of this VersaClimber studio called <a href="https://www.rise-nation.com/schedule-cle/" target="_blank">Rise Nation</a> in Cleveland (my future in-laws live between Akron and Cleveland, but a little closer to Akron), and wanted to check them out while I was here. So many options!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdspllhP8fk/XChU1iUjoGI/AAAAAAAAu4I/udOGbOQMZr0V0jAGlbBB506fV1dWY3xGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181227_103936_380.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cyclebar Hudson, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdspllhP8fk/XChU1iUjoGI/AAAAAAAAu4I/udOGbOQMZr0V0jAGlbBB506fV1dWY3xGgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181227_103936_380.jpg" title="Cyclebar Hudson, Ohio" width="360" /></a></div><br />Unfortunately, because these places are so new and so uncommon, it was almost impossible to find a class that I could take! I say almost impossible because I could've signed up to take 6 a.m. classes, but I'm on vacay, so ain't nobody got time fo dat! Fortunately, I was able to sign up to get waitlisted at Cyclebar for a 9:30 a.m. class.<br /><br />I like to think of myself as an optimistic realist, so I got there early and waited. Surely <i style="font-weight: bold;">someone</i>&nbsp;wouldn't make it to class. It happens to the best of us! Nobody could tell me I wasn't getting into that class, and sure enough, I got in - just barely! I grabbed the only empty bike in the front row and got ready to put in some work!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95qVoPpdRLE/XChYCAOvriI/AAAAAAAAu44/MWPI_8c7JWg6wr65zROEj4SNRbWESlw4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181227_103223_567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="review of Cyclebar in Hudson, Ohio" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95qVoPpdRLE/XChYCAOvriI/AAAAAAAAu44/MWPI_8c7JWg6wr65zROEj4SNRbWESlw4wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181227_103223_567.jpg" title="posing at Cyclebar in Hudson, Ohio" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was an 80s themed ride, and the music was totally different from what I was expecting. (Like... there was no Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, or Rick James. Bruh.) The instructor played a lot of hair metal bands, which was cool because it defied my expectations and forced me to really focus on the ride itself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The class was <i style="font-weight: bold;">packed</i>! It was hot, and we were all getting sweaty together and working hard. I really like Cyclebar way more than SoulCycle because I've found that you don't really hear the pseudo-intellectual&nbsp;platitudes, you burn more calories, there are actual fans in the room so you don't have to smell the person next to you (or yourself), you have some space to move around, and someone sets you up on the bike properly, <i style="font-weight: bold;">plus</i>, they use beautiful Schwinn bikes that show you all sorts of stats about your ride.&nbsp;<i>(Note: I don't mean to sound like a total SoulCycle hater. I've been to a few of them in different parts of the country, and I always have the same impression. </i>I could probably write an entire loooong blog post about this, but I won't bore you guys or be a Debbie Downer because it's really unnecessary, I think.<i>&nbsp;I took my first SoulCycle class shortly after getting certified by Schwinn to teach indoor cycling, and that has really colored my impression of this style of class. But it's super popular, and a lot of people really like it. So, to that I say, if you like it, I love it!)&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBa-PQebWVM/XChb8E35MpI/AAAAAAAAu5I/wqzl55oA1TYhLjISEju-K_-KRPM1xA0pACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181227_104038_604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBa-PQebWVM/XChb8E35MpI/AAAAAAAAu5I/wqzl55oA1TYhLjISEju-K_-KRPM1xA0pACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181227_104038_604.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've taken classes at Cyclebar around the DC Metro Area, and I've found them to be pretty consistent across the board. It was great to see that I could expect the same thing in a different part of the country! (Read about another past Cyclebar experience <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2017/11/sweat-pink-dmv-cyclebar-event.html">here</a>.)&nbsp;<i>Stray observation: I think this was the first time I noticed that Cyclebar has different themes and decor depending on where they're located. 🤔</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The staff was super friendly and helpful and gave me a pointer afterward about where I could grab coffee from a local coffee shop nearby. I got my marching orders and headed for <a href="https://www.heartwoodroastery.com/">Heartwood Coffee Roasters</a>, which was also located in Hudson, Ohio.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdMq9IeDXVo/XCheTc1OtDI/AAAAAAAAu5g/gOZJRN09e_Y6e9Jb4p0blkuoRvzLr_n4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181227_111440_793.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdMq9IeDXVo/XCheTc1OtDI/AAAAAAAAu5g/gOZJRN09e_Y6e9Jb4p0blkuoRvzLr_n4QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181227_111440_793.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M9sgIFW0vdk/XCheWADX7uI/AAAAAAAAu5k/B0VN587_0WEWQhBDYmMGpXESjLezJic5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181227_110725_951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M9sgIFW0vdk/XCheWADX7uI/AAAAAAAAu5k/B0VN587_0WEWQhBDYmMGpXESjLezJic5ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181227_110725_951.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ordered a peppermint mocha and some avocado toast because I'm a basic millennial and that's what I wanted and it was delicious and I regret nothing so nanny nanny boo boo. #YOLO #blessed But also, I was having a hard time keeping track of whether I was actually eating any vegetables on the trip, so... there's that.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, I didn't totally derail all of my hard work over the year in just one week, once I refocused and set some realistic goals for the remainder of the trip. I'm not going to sit here and act like it's easy to stay active and eat healthy during the holidays, because it's always a real struggle for me! The key for me this year was to enjoy family time, don't set crazy restrictions on myself, and make sure that I get some activity in throughout the season. Now I feel like I'm ready to keep on truckin' right into 2019!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Don't forget to <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/12/january-4k-by-4pm-challenge.html" target="_blank">sign up</a> for my <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/12/january-4k-by-4pm-challenge.html" target="_blank">#4Kby4PM challenge</a>! This is a step challenge to get 4,000 steps by 4:00 p.m. each day in the month of January.&nbsp;</i></b></div>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/_ckSz-RqNf8/how-ive-stayed-active-while-eating.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/12/how-ive-stayed-active-while-eating.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-4810318197442697002Fri, 28 Dec 2018 16:18:00 +00002018-12-28T11:22:20.649-05:00#4kby4pmgoalsmotivationresolutionsJanuary 4K by 4PM Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwx2JooU0vI/XCZLJanqrJI/AAAAAAAAunQ/QWFuS_AtXUMxufnpo1z6wj6DZz9OHUm-QCLcBGAs/s1600/4kby4pmchallenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Running up the stairs at the Jefferson Memorial in DC" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwx2JooU0vI/XCZLJanqrJI/AAAAAAAAunQ/QWFuS_AtXUMxufnpo1z6wj6DZz9OHUm-QCLcBGAs/s640/4kby4pmchallenge.png" title="running up the stairs in DC" width="426" /></a></div><br />This January, I'm kicking off a brand new challenge here at Flecks of Lex: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/bf24bc11ed8a/4kby4pm" target="_blank">The 4K by 4PM Challenge</a>! The goal of this challenge is to try to get 4,000 steps by 4:00 p.m. each day. The purpose is to make sure you're moving throughout the day, even if it's just to get up to walk to the bathroom or to get a drink of water.<br /><br />I've been working on hitting this goal over the last few months, and I gotta tell you: It's not always easy! I work a job that primarily requires me to be at a desk, and there are hours where I find that I don't even stand up once! (It's especially difficult when I'm working on the organization's website!)<br /><a name='more'></a><br />If you start your day at 8:00 a.m. (which I suspect would be late for most of you), this would amount to an average of 500 steps an hour. If you go for a 10-minute walk at lunch, you could probably get a couple thousand steps, so it would balance out for those hours where you didn't walk. You get the idea!<br /><br />If you're up for the challenge, I hope you'll <a href="https://mailchi.mp/bf24bc11ed8a/4kby4pm" target="_blank">sign up to participate</a>! This enables me to check in with you and send some tips for not sitting on your bum all day. You can join in the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #4Kby4PM. Feel free to share your photos of your Fitbit/Apple Watch/Samsung Watch/Misfit Wearables/Phone App/Abacus/etc. Tag your friends and challenge them too!<br /><br />Together, let's start the new year out strong by just moving a little bit more each day.<br /><br /><a href="https://mailchi.mp/bf24bc11ed8a/4kby4pm" target="_blank">Join the challenge!</a><br /><i><br /></i> <i>Always consult your physician prior to starting a new exercise program.&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eEUb9NapNW8/XCZLc3EmX3I/AAAAAAAAunY/Ec0kJzypGg04qjOwJL2u4R_WnBU4Ho6pwCLcBGAs/s1600/4kby4pmchallenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eEUb9NapNW8/XCZLc3EmX3I/AAAAAAAAunY/Ec0kJzypGg04qjOwJL2u4R_WnBU4Ho6pwCLcBGAs/s1600/4kby4pmchallenge.png" /></a></div><br />http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/DO52haQe-eY/january-4k-by-4pm-challenge.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/12/january-4k-by-4pm-challenge.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-4633908371651177166Fri, 23 Nov 2018 05:22:00 +00002018-11-24T14:44:47.853-05:00#pranafallstyle#pranagifted#pranastyleFeaturedprAnasponsoredprAna Cozy Gear is Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ_VXURKilE/W_eKK-koQyI/AAAAAAAAtm4/vm1j2FEMAGEiK5sf63PAuZj1VG7w1aTrwCLcBGAs/s1600/pranacozysweatshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1332" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ_VXURKilE/W_eKK-koQyI/AAAAAAAAtm4/vm1j2FEMAGEiK5sf63PAuZj1VG7w1aTrwCLcBGAs/s640/pranacozysweatshirt.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><br />You guys know how much I love <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/07/why-i-love-prana.html" target="_blank">prAna</a>. They make clothing of excellent quality, they practice corporate responsibility, and they have a lot of great clothes made from sustainably sourced and recycled materials.<br /><br />I have been <i>living&nbsp;</i>in&nbsp;their <a href="https://www.prana.com/women/featured/cardiff-collection.html" target="_blank">Cardiff collection</a>. I was gifted the <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-zip-up-jacket.html" target="_blank">Cozy Up Zip Up Jacket</a>, <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-pant.html" target="_blank">Cozy Up Pant</a>, <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-sweatshirt.html" target="_blank">Cozy Up Sweatshirt</a>, and <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-t-shirt.html?colors=cargogreenheather" target="_blank">Cozy Up T-Shirt</a>. Let me tell ya: They live up to their names!<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I wore the heck out of the <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-t-shirt.html?colors=cargogreenheather" target="_blank">t-shirt</a> throughout the summer, and really up until about a month or so ago when we went straight into the winter here in Maryland! (I'm still trying to figure out how I can sneak it back into my wardrobe in this cold weather because I miss wearing it!) That shirt is <i>sooooo</i>&nbsp;comfy and the fact that it's 55% hemp means that it washes easily and doesn't hold onto funky bacteria. It really got me through some hot summer days!<br /><span id="goog_849490122"></span><span id="goog_849490123"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TbeGdGSs_w/W_eJJxZ0aSI/AAAAAAAAtmc/8DYjH6v_EAAj8YCnpXFacmTItxjFu9MzwCLcBGAs/s1600/pranacozytshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="prAna clothing cozy up t-shirt" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="934" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TbeGdGSs_w/W_eJJxZ0aSI/AAAAAAAAtmc/8DYjH6v_EAAj8YCnpXFacmTItxjFu9MzwCLcBGAs/s640/pranacozytshirt.jpg" title="prAna clothing cozy up t-shirt" width="372" /></a></div><span id="goog_1315322528"></span><span id="goog_1315322529"></span><br />When the temperature finally dropped, the <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-zip-up-jacket.html?colors=charcoalheather" target="_blank">zip up jacket</a> and <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-pant.html" target="_blank">pants</a> came on as soon as I got home from work. They are just so comfy! I've worn them to the grocery store, after a workout, lounging around at home, and even as pajamas! They really are versatile, and they just hold their shape and quality with each wear (and man have these suckers been through a lot of wearing!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uH6B3UKz44I/W_eJdFr_dtI/AAAAAAAAtmo/naR9IozVSdMiRhuWo6oZIxttSRiBjE-6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2588%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="prAna clothing cozy up pants and zip up jacket" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uH6B3UKz44I/W_eJdFr_dtI/AAAAAAAAtmo/naR9IozVSdMiRhuWo6oZIxttSRiBjE-6ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2588%2B%25281%2529.JPG" title="prAna clothing cozy up pants and zip up jacket" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />What's great about this collection is that they come in various colors and extended sizes. I think it's great the <a href="https://www.prana.com/women/featured/cardiff-collection.html" target="_blank">prAna</a> is creating sustainable fashion in more sizes than they were this time last year, and I also love that they are expanding their color palette! For example, I am wearing the Cozy Up Zip Up Jacket and Pants in Charcoal Heather, but I am loving the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-zip-up-jacket-plus.html?colors=cargogreenheather" target="_blank">cargo green heather</a>! (Note: I wear a medium in everything, but I recommend sizing up on the pants if you are in between sizes and/or have a bigger booty or thicker hips.)<br /><br />I want the t-shirt in pretty much every color. I seriously cannot decide which color to buy next, but I know I need more of this shirt. It is just so versatile! I've worn it dressed up and down, and it just works!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l7YQ6u0zi08/W_eMWPmRXVI/AAAAAAAAtnY/zDZ_XGXrfLAzdGmt12NzKSRWEpclKUfMACLcBGAs/s1600/20181010_161329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="prAna clothing cozy up hemp t-shirt" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l7YQ6u0zi08/W_eMWPmRXVI/AAAAAAAAtnY/zDZ_XGXrfLAzdGmt12NzKSRWEpclKUfMACLcBGAs/s640/20181010_161329.jpg" title="prAna clothing cozy up t-shirt" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zahh8vIJaNw/W_eMdajxDBI/AAAAAAAAtng/CjL8kG_Rb7kjbWEpFQYSFnzZHJld3g6AwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180808_084242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="prAna cozy up t-shirt" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zahh8vIJaNw/W_eMdajxDBI/AAAAAAAAtng/CjL8kG_Rb7kjbWEpFQYSFnzZHJld3g6AwCLcBGAs/s640/20180808_084242.jpg" title="prAna cozy up t-shirt " width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Interested in trying out some prAna gear? Use my discount code <b>AREEprAna25 </b>for 25% off! Let me know what you end up picking up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nO7tFkuHJrw/W_moQwZSjKI/AAAAAAAAtoc/scjfulmBr6os3O7A7acoD22ZewkwEegVQCLcBGAs/s1600/cardiffreview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Prana Clothing Review" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nO7tFkuHJrw/W_moQwZSjKI/AAAAAAAAtoc/scjfulmBr6os3O7A7acoD22ZewkwEegVQCLcBGAs/s640/cardiffreview.png" title="Prana's Cardiff Collection " width="426" /></a></div>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/436voLxITYY/prana-cozy-gear-is-everything.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/11/prana-cozy-gear-is-everything.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-6491336257329056036Mon, 19 Nov 2018 03:51:00 +00002018-11-18T23:03:45.686-05:00barreFeaturedindoor cyclingLex Localstudio reviewBarre at CYCLED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEL4uFCURL0/W_IrYt7HS4I/AAAAAAAAtkY/u0IqiupjpJAFaVsQhBhtan2C5Wnv3H5RQCLcBGAs/s1600/barreatcycled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEL4uFCURL0/W_IrYt7HS4I/AAAAAAAAtkY/u0IqiupjpJAFaVsQhBhtan2C5Wnv3H5RQCLcBGAs/s640/barreatcycled.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />You may already know this, but&nbsp;I love <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2017/12/my-new-favorite-cycling-studio.html" target="_blank">CYCLED</a>! It's been a while since I've been back to the studio, but I was so glad to be back!<br /><br />I finally got to take a barre class at the Takoma Park studio, and it kicked my butt! <a href="https://www.cycledstudios.com/staff/" target="_blank">Shayla</a>, the owner of <a href="https://www.cycledstudios.com/" target="_blank">Cycled</a>, taught the&nbsp;class and took us through a tough workout - all while smiling and keeping everyone motivated.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The barre class is taught in the upstairs nook of the Cycled Takoma Park studio. It's a small space, but what I like about it is that you get more individual attention, and you feel like you're struggling with the person next to you as a team.<br /><br />Someone asked me this morning, "is barre class hard?" Short answer: Yes, if your core is trash like mine is! 😮 I always underestimate barre classes. I don't know why, either. Maybe it's because I wait too long in between taking them? I should definitely be taking barre class way more frequently than I currently do, especially as I work on strengthening my core. It's such a great core workout! Plus, it works all of those different booty muscles (scientific term, obvi) that you forget exist until you take a barre class.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F01U647D_JE/W_Ilq_0L-5I/AAAAAAAAtkI/nG_h_0ozmDQgmLY7d5EEWFOzdQ37eOkWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/cycledselfie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="selfie at Cycled" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F01U647D_JE/W_Ilq_0L-5I/AAAAAAAAtkI/nG_h_0ozmDQgmLY7d5EEWFOzdQ37eOkWgCEwYBhgL/s640/cycledselfie.jpg" title="selfie at Cycled" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Smiling because I forgot to be afraid.&nbsp;</i></td></tr></tbody></table>For this barre class, I forgot that barre was tough, and I almost didn't even bring any water! Who was I fooling?! Next time, please don't let me forget barre is not easy! Anyway, make sure you bring water to your workouts unless the studio or instructor explicitly tells you not to. And that goes for all workout formats, honestly. #protip<br /><br />This was a 60-minute barre class that worked every inch of my body! We started out with a series of planks, did quite a bit of work on the barre for lower body, and ended with more core work. Shayla did the workout with us, demonstrating proper form, and providing us with corrections. She really made it a lot of fun, despite how gross and sweaty I was getting! (And you guys know I'm not much of a sweater!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlBiD9oNhyk/W_IjC-3CzeI/AAAAAAAAtjE/Bsnhubvpbyo_OC1tn6_BVyEA7vI3YO1LQCLcBGAs/s1600/postbarrepic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlBiD9oNhyk/W_IjC-3CzeI/AAAAAAAAtjE/Bsnhubvpbyo_OC1tn6_BVyEA7vI3YO1LQCLcBGAs/s640/postbarrepic.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I love this studio! It is so welcoming, and the staff and instructors are fun to talk with. They have such positive energy and are so accommodating to the students. You really feel like they care about you, and that's not always easy to come by in boutique studios!<br /><br />Since it had been a while since my last trip to the studio, I totally checked out their new gear. They always have such cute items for sale! I love my&nbsp;Cycled tank, but I think I might need another one. They are just too cute!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11RFckN0fzo/W_IkfLrh9TI/AAAAAAAAtjc/quXkKHSx9yYkuQVcv0sFg1o8PmyRfVDDwCLcBGAs/s1600/cycledgear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="942" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11RFckN0fzo/W_IkfLrh9TI/AAAAAAAAtjc/quXkKHSx9yYkuQVcv0sFg1o8PmyRfVDDwCLcBGAs/s640/cycledgear.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br />They have a great offering of classes at Cycled. I signed up for a class pack, which means I'll be able to try out a bunch of different class types.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiNVYENI6Y/W_IlH3AHiuI/AAAAAAAAtjw/gm8VJKWiDlQZmW8sA_On98i1fD_NLrdwACLcBGAs/s1600/cycledschedule.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiNVYENI6Y/W_IlH3AHiuI/AAAAAAAAtjw/gm8VJKWiDlQZmW8sA_On98i1fD_NLrdwACLcBGAs/s640/cycledschedule.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I can't wait to get back! I'm hoping to be able to get to the studio twice this week - especially since I have Friday off. Which class do you guys think I should try next?<br /><br /><b><i>Have you ever visited an indoor cycling studio that offers more than cycle classes? Have you ever taken a barre class? Was it harder or easier than you initially thought?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/X3BecmoxtvA/barre-at-cycled.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/11/barre-at-cycled.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-8258755116394066948Thu, 15 Nov 2018 22:00:00 +00002018-11-15T17:29:02.043-05:00everything burnsfeel the burnworkoutworkout playlistEverything Burns: 10-Minute Workout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLmNCJ1k-MA/UwJqSMlixUI/AAAAAAAACGY/xSI29GRMZs0/s1600/everythingburns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLmNCJ1k-MA/UwJqSMlixUI/AAAAAAAACGY/xSI29GRMZs0/s640/everythingburns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is a new section on Flecks of Lex where I share workouts that target major muscle groups, and that can be done quickly with little to no equipment. I don't know about you, but sometimes I don't have enough time in between activities (be they work events, family functions, or volleyball games) to get a 30-minute workout in, but I have enough time to pump out a few exercises that will leave me feeling satisfied and slightly sore.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />With this first post, I'll start with some simple exercises, and we can work our way up to more challenging workouts together.&nbsp;Enjoy!<br /><br />Oh, and check out <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/13TwFGg7BQDAVog8GcEcRM" target="_blank">this playlist</a> I've put together for this workout!<br /><br /><i>Disclaimer: I am not a certified trainer, doctor,&nbsp;dietitian, or cat wrangler. For now, these exercises work for&nbsp;me, and I think they're worth sharing. Exercise at your own risk.</i><br /><br /><b>Equipment needed:</b><br />Stopwatch/Timer<br />Wall<br />Floor<br />Yoga Mat (Optional)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XTTUQrGcow/UwTtQnDCerI/AAAAAAAACUY/NqV2C9dBSxc/s1600/everythingburnslvl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XTTUQrGcow/UwTtQnDCerI/AAAAAAAACUY/NqV2C9dBSxc/s1600/everythingburnslvl1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Everything Burns Workout 1</b><br />Wall Sits (1 minute)<br />Mountain Climbers (1 minute)<br />Plank with Shoulder Taps (1 minute for max)<br />Downward Dog Pushups (10 reps)<br />Elbow Plank (1 minute)<br />Bicycle Abs (1 minute)<br />Superman (20 reps)<br />Jumping Jacks (1 minute)<br /><br /><i>Editor's note: Post originally published on February 20, 2014.</i>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/aEFcPg5KtL8/everything-burns-10-minute-workout.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)2http://www.flecksoflex.com/2014/02/everything-burns-10-minute-workout.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-8323729430655015855Mon, 12 Nov 2018 22:12:00 +00002018-11-15T17:50:53.440-05:00feel the burntabatatreadmillworkoutTabata Treadmill Workout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jk1-7h8jZQ/Uw-KSauZsiI/AAAAAAAACVc/3NFk00QppHQ/s1600/tabatatreadmill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jk1-7h8jZQ/Uw-KSauZsiI/AAAAAAAACVc/3NFk00QppHQ/s1600/tabatatreadmill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last month, I completed my first <a href="http://www.flecksoflex.com/2014/01/mix-it-up-tabata-treadmill-workout.html" target="_blank">Tabata workout on the treadmill</a>, courtesy of <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/2012/01/tabata-treadmill-workout.html" target="_blank">Carrots 'n Cake</a>. &nbsp;It was challenging, but fun. I made some modifications based on my fitness level, but overall, it was a wonderful workout.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />After that workout, I decided to begin developing my own Tabata treadmill workouts. I tested one out this morning, just to make sure that it was a good burn before sharing it with all of you. The concept is the same, with one caveat: Instead of just stopping and standing on the sides of the treadmill, keep moving! My teammate Lauren, who <i>is</i>&nbsp;a certified personal trainer, suggested that I do calf raises during the rest periods, that way I am still moving, and not putting too much stress on my body.<br /><br />Let me tell you, those calf raises were no joke! The first few rest periods were fine, but my calves were SCREAMING by the end!<br /><br />Here goes my first attempt at a Tabata workout! If you haven't read my first post on Tabata treadmill workouts, <a href="http://www.flecksoflex.com/2014/01/mix-it-up-tabata-treadmill-workout.html" target="_blank">check it out here</a> so that you can make some notes on what worked best for me as far as transitions and music.<br /><br />Equipment needed:<br /><ul><li>Stopwatch/Timer - I used my Gymboss2 app, and put it on the Tabata setting</li><li>Treadmill</li></ul><i>Disclaimer: I am not a certified trainer, doctor,&nbsp;dietitian, or cat wrangler. Consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.&nbsp;</i>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/Cuw7i1p5qns/tabata-treadmill-workout.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2014/02/tabata-treadmill-workout.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-1381852374606015323Sat, 10 Nov 2018 04:37:00 +00002018-11-09T23:37:25.722-05:00FeaturedFitDCreviewstudio reviewversaclimberworkout reviewPULSE House of Fitness Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYySULSjI64/W-Y7FUSWijI/AAAAAAAAtcA/YFNGDLguKR0sIlxJ1qwcMue3eU6uLI3zQCLcBGAs/s1600/Flecks%2Bof%2BLex%2BReviews_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYySULSjI64/W-Y7FUSWijI/AAAAAAAAtcA/YFNGDLguKR0sIlxJ1qwcMue3eU6uLI3zQCLcBGAs/s640/Flecks%2Bof%2BLex%2BReviews_.png" width="426" /></a></div><br />I had an awesome time at <a href="https://pulsehousefitness.com/" target="_blank">Pulse House of Fitness</a>&nbsp;last weekend! Everyone who works at the studio was so nice and welcoming, plus I got in a great workout. The studio was clean, I liked the vibe in the place, and I am definitely planning a return trip to Pulse!<br /><br />When I walked in, they showed me to my locker in the hallway. Everyone gets assigned a locker with the letter A or B, which they use when they have back-to-back classes. It allows people to get in and out more easily, and I think it's a brilliant idea! After dropping my belongings in a locker (and yes, they have built-in phone chargers),&nbsp;I got to go into the room where the magic happens: the studio! They set me up on the versa&nbsp;climber and explained how to use it, which was great for me since I had never used one before! (They don't currently have one at my gym, so I don't think I've ever even stood next to one before last Saturday!) I've taken some classes where they don't ever show you how to use their equipment properly, and I think that's just a recipe for injury! Fortunately, that was not the case at Pulse.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpUTdu38njM/W-ZMeAxvdYI/AAAAAAAAtcg/1JrRLgqSutAQjOzLQrrCxCDx7Lf8FefmgCLcBGAs/s1600/pulsestudio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1597" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpUTdu38njM/W-ZMeAxvdYI/AAAAAAAAtcg/1JrRLgqSutAQjOzLQrrCxCDx7Lf8FefmgCLcBGAs/s640/pulsestudio.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />The class I took was 30 minutes, which may seem short, but was just the right amount of time to be climbing! The music was high energy, and the instructor, Emily, went around and made sure to speak to everybody at least once throughout the class, which I appreciated. She had great energy and was really encouraging. At one point near the end, she pushed me to take bigger strides, which I needed because I was admittedly taking it a little easy on myself near the end (I taught an hourlong cycle class that same morning, so cut me a little slack before you judge me too harshly!). I was sweaty and tired and starting to feel pooped!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6E1Gj1czaNU/W-ZS45ZIw_I/AAAAAAAAtd0/9xBpBt9PjWcZHIADBruoUjmciu8w3nJtgCLcBGAs/s1600/climbpulse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6E1Gj1czaNU/W-ZS45ZIw_I/AAAAAAAAtd0/9xBpBt9PjWcZHIADBruoUjmciu8w3nJtgCLcBGAs/s640/climbpulse.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />I liked that there was a rhythm to the movements, especially being an indoor cycling instructor myself. It really helped me to stay focused and not stop climbing during the class (they strongly discouraged you to stop, but rather to just slow down your stride). It had similar energy to a Zengo or Cyclebar class, where the instructors are fun without being preachy or faux-deep, but you feel like you're in a party with a challenge.&nbsp; I also loved that it was totally different from any workout I'd ever tried before.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYIIism29Bk/W-ZNFCilinI/AAAAAAAAtco/pymXBlsAQ4gM0aR4sqIQuLc5G1K9bCbygCLcBGAs/s1600/gamechanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYIIism29Bk/W-ZNFCilinI/AAAAAAAAtco/pymXBlsAQ4gM0aR4sqIQuLc5G1K9bCbygCLcBGAs/s640/gamechanger.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Lessons Learned</u></b><br />It was a little difficult to see Emily at times, but I was informed that they are getting ready to have some mirrors installed in the front of the room, that way everyone should be able to see the instructor, regardless of where you're positioned in the room. (I was not-so-secretly&nbsp;happy that there were no mirrors so I couldn't stare back at my sweaty face or see how I was barely climbing.) When I go back, I'll let you guys know if it made a difference (I suspect it will).<br /><br />I think I need to wear different shoes the next time I go, and probably not tie my&nbsp;laces too tight. Helllooooo circulation! I was wearing cross trainers, but I sort of feel like I needed a shoe with a sturdier sole than what I was working with. I blame myself for this, though, because I have really been struggling to find a good pair of cross trainers! (Let me know in the comments what your favorites are!)<br /><br />Sports bra - Yeah. I don't know what I was thinking, but a low-medium impact sports bra ain't it, chief. Next time, I'll definitely wear a high impact sports bra. Don't need any wardrobe malfunctions or popping&nbsp;myself&nbsp;in the eye. :-|<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk0LP5sc8kQ/W-ZTpGoRMPI/AAAAAAAAteE/xmwacfyyrX0oL_MWMgRrcqUSP95SJ1kQwCLcBGAs/s1600/pulselab2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk0LP5sc8kQ/W-ZTpGoRMPI/AAAAAAAAteE/xmwacfyyrX0oL_MWMgRrcqUSP95SJ1kQwCLcBGAs/s640/pulselab2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Make sure you wear something that has some moisture wicking material, but whatever you wear as bottoms should be something that will stay in place as you bring your knees to your chest. My outfit worked out just right for this workout (shoes and sports bra excluded), and I made a mental note that I can't wear certain leggings for this workout, much the same as with yoga. Don't need the person behind me in class yelling out, "say no to crack!" Don't say I didn't warn you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vh0aAikeDns/W-ZO2j0x7qI/AAAAAAAAtc4/v2DFLJ9U_jgfWoRgl37DwBolVpxP_JBeQCLcBGAs/s1600/compasscoffeeatpulse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vh0aAikeDns/W-ZO2j0x7qI/AAAAAAAAtc4/v2DFLJ9U_jgfWoRgl37DwBolVpxP_JBeQCLcBGAs/s640/compasscoffeeatpulse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Any studio that offers you free coffee and tea with a good selection of (dairy and non-dairy) milk and creamers gets an A+ in my book. To me, that says that they really care about your wellbeing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywXtXgfbMbo/W-ZRtG8to2I/AAAAAAAAtdk/9TU44HVb-YUpE5jJehoyjblgro-5j5RqwCLcBGAs/s1600/pulselab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywXtXgfbMbo/W-ZRtG8to2I/AAAAAAAAtdk/9TU44HVb-YUpE5jJehoyjblgro-5j5RqwCLcBGAs/s640/pulselab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The&nbsp;versa&nbsp;climber is a cool machine! BUT! They don't just have versa&nbsp;climber classes! They have metabolic training classes on the other side of the studio called the Lab, and you can use your class passes interchangeably. I'd really like to try one of these classes, even though I know they will kick my butt!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEUxJ1pdut0/W-ZPpFhpFpI/AAAAAAAAtdI/KZaonWy-cHoGyZZkW4aDnjOJfrr5gchKgCLcBGAs/s1600/gift%2Bbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEUxJ1pdut0/W-ZPpFhpFpI/AAAAAAAAtdI/KZaonWy-cHoGyZZkW4aDnjOJfrr5gchKgCLcBGAs/s640/gift%2Bbag.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />They are just so giving at Pulse! I got a little gift bag just for attending, and I actually won a box of <a href="https://swapfoods.com/" target="_blank">Swapples</a>&nbsp;at the end of class!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTRuMU_GPDY/W-ZUgna6C5I/AAAAAAAAteY/QoFTvXm1xAcEslBBzxyZbigtcNmqNUvvACLcBGAs/s1600/pulsehouseoffitnessselfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTRuMU_GPDY/W-ZUgna6C5I/AAAAAAAAteY/QoFTvXm1xAcEslBBzxyZbigtcNmqNUvvACLcBGAs/s640/pulsehouseoffitnessselfie.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I had such a great time that I had a hard time leaving! Everyone there did a great job of making you feel right at home. How can you resist coming back?!<br /><b><i><br /></i></b>Interested in trying out Pulse? Let me know if you are in the area and want to try it out, and I can give you a code to try your first class for free!<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Have you ever used a versaclimber? Where did you try it out? Do they have versa climber studios in your area? This is the first versa climber studio/workout in the DC Metro Area.&nbsp;</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/Dk15_PQA-1I/pulse-house-of-fitness-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/11/pulse-house-of-fitness-review.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-78871877761624613Mon, 05 Nov 2018 05:05:00 +00002019-01-01T21:05:26.560-05:00#UbKAndWalmart#WithUSheCangive backHelp End Period Poverty with U By Kotex and Walmart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2Ja-42tcHI/W9_Oc0bGURI/AAAAAAAAtYk/0LirL2du6vcMDGoIZizeLW23fECNs7HrgCLcBGAs/s1600/help%2Bend%2Bperiod%2Bpoverty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2Ja-42tcHI/W9_Oc0bGURI/AAAAAAAAtYk/0LirL2du6vcMDGoIZizeLW23fECNs7HrgCLcBGAs/s400/help%2Bend%2Bperiod%2Bpoverty.png" width="266" /></a></div><i><br /></i> <i>This post is sponsored by U by Kotex but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.</i><br /><br />I was talking to a friend the other day about having an emergency stash of tampons. I try to keep one in every place where I might be at any given time, including my gym bag, my volleyball bag, my car, my desk drawer at work, my purse, and God knows where else. I find that you never really know when you’re going to need one in a pinch, or when you might have to help another woman out. Secret stashes FTW (and for the sisterhood!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smG3WuFMvd0/W-zgfxSMF1I/AAAAAAAAthM/WbJBS5_V7UoamSxCO9p6ROjup0xYwooQgCLcBGAs/s1600/kotexinbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="989" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smG3WuFMvd0/W-zgfxSMF1I/AAAAAAAAthM/WbJBS5_V7UoamSxCO9p6ROjup0xYwooQgCLcBGAs/s640/kotexinbag.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><br />But then I got to thinking about something I’ve <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/diaper-deserts-and-period-poverty.html" target="_blank">talked about on here recently</a>: <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/diaper-deserts-and-period-poverty.html" target="_blank">Period poverty</a>. What if you can’t afford to have a secret stash? What if you can’t afford to have a regular stash? I think about what women have to endure in extreme poverty, homelessness, and even incarceration, and I can’t fathom how they get through a menstrual cycle with limited resources. And what if they have especially heavy or irregular periods? It’s heartbreaking.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5LcQatEVp8/W9_OsED_-sI/AAAAAAAAtYo/5kIrufL1oYAjvZF5YzEn-WMnvVJj-RsgACLcBGAs/s1600/20181104_212318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5LcQatEVp8/W9_OsED_-sI/AAAAAAAAtYo/5kIrufL1oYAjvZF5YzEn-WMnvVJj-RsgACLcBGAs/s640/20181104_212318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />What can we all do to help? Well, we can volunteer at an <a href="http://www.allianceforperiodsupplies.org/" target="_blank">Alliance for Period Supplies</a> allied program in our communities, provide donations, and/or purchase <a href="https://ooh.li/f03dc63" target="_blank">U by Kotex</a> products at a local Walmart. <a href="https://ooh.li/f03dc63" target="_blank">Walmart</a> has already donated $25,000 to the Alliance for Period Supplies this month, and <a href="https://ooh.li/f03dc63" target="_blank">U by Kotex</a> has donated five million period products to women in need. For every purchase of <a href="https://ooh.li/f03dc63" target="_blank">U by Kotex</a>, <a href="https://ooh.li/f03dc63" target="_blank">U by Kotex</a> will donate two products to women in need. Simple, right? Thank you to everyone who has already helped in the fight to try&nbsp;to end period poverty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcIninwEGMA/W-zikNE-ibI/AAAAAAAAthg/2neuQsWgb8EHkEg-7ypNLNtfXotvUgOAgCLcBGAs/s1600/kotextamponsloose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="694" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcIninwEGMA/W-zikNE-ibI/AAAAAAAAthg/2neuQsWgb8EHkEg-7ypNLNtfXotvUgOAgCLcBGAs/s640/kotextamponsloose.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><i>Will you help a woman in need build&nbsp;up her supply of menstrual products? Have you ever volunteered to help end period poverty?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/sWVJ1tnROj4/help-end-period-poverty-with-u-by-kotex.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/11/help-end-period-poverty-with-u-by-kotex.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-3797562601124759890Sun, 28 Oct 2018 05:42:00 +00002019-01-01T21:05:13.349-05:00book reviewgiveawayReed ReadsMy Friend Wrote a Book <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGogomEFetM/W9U6Ts4PWbI/AAAAAAAAtT4/aXeIur5zc30BDciysMU5NP0vlcRVMYnrQCLcBGAs/s1600/couchtoactive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGogomEFetM/W9U6Ts4PWbI/AAAAAAAAtT4/aXeIur5zc30BDciysMU5NP0vlcRVMYnrQCLcBGAs/s640/couchtoactive.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, this is cool: My friend wrote a book! My BlogFest friend and fellow Sweat Pink Ambassador Lyn Lindbergh wrote a book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2CH05DT" target="_blank">Couch to Active</a></i>. This is such a neat book! It provides a roadmap to becoming active if you've been living a sedentary lifestyle, but it also provides insight into how to achieve your fitness goals in a practical, attainable way. It has an 8-week plan woven throughout the book and some really great advice that works for people all over the fitness spectrum. The tagline for the book is, "The missing link that takes you from sedentary to active," and I think that's pretty accurate. <i>Couch to Active&nbsp;</i>is a great book for those looking to take their "one day" into "day one."<br /><a name='more'></a><br />My favorite part of the book is the worksheets embedded throughout the book and the goal setting. Make sure you have a pen and notepad ready as you go through the book; you're going to want to complete the assignments Lyn has created for everyone working through <i>Couch to Active</i>, and I think you're going to want to go through these assignments more than once - especially as you venture out on your wellness journey and you find that your goals change over time.<br /><br />Fall is a season of change. What better way to end your fall and roll through the end of this year and right into the beginning of the next than with a book that promotes making healthy choices and lifestyle changes?<br /><br />Enter today to win your own copy of <i>Couch to Active</i>! Fill out the handy widget below to enter to win! Good luck with the book giveaway, as well as on your fitness journey!<br /><br /><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="2c34429225" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2c34429225/" id="rcwidget_h1arofvj" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9hx4BjhQ9I/W9U6NF2EYHI/AAAAAAAAtT0/GTKHWpYuTOMScexOaY8h1qMWuzF2vNW_wCLcBGAs/s1600/couchtoactivepinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9hx4BjhQ9I/W9U6NF2EYHI/AAAAAAAAtT0/GTKHWpYuTOMScexOaY8h1qMWuzF2vNW_wCLcBGAs/s640/couchtoactivepinterest.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b><i>Want to buy&nbsp;</i><a href="https://amzn.to/2CH05DT" target="_blank">Couch to Active</a><i>&nbsp;today? It's available for purchase on Amazon now! Already read the book? What did you think?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/a6vEH-DDyNo/my-friend-wrote-book-giveaway.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/my-friend-wrote-book-giveaway.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-3302074272769369586Fri, 26 Oct 2018 03:00:00 +00002019-01-01T21:05:36.046-05:00#pranafallstyle#pranagifted#WINdetergentcleanknee padsprAnavolleyballWINning On and Off the Volleyball Court<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW7QqTzU9AI/W9KtxEbZRWI/AAAAAAAAtQc/7Dk49JEmKz0gotmwEfho5LO6g8LYx-13gCLcBGAs/s1600/20181025_234951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW7QqTzU9AI/W9KtxEbZRWI/AAAAAAAAtQc/7Dk49JEmKz0gotmwEfho5LO6g8LYx-13gCLcBGAs/s640/20181025_234951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Oh, volleyball knee pads. So useful. So protective. So doggone&nbsp;funky!<br /><div><br /></div><div>You see me smiling in all of my volleyball pictures? That's because I love the sport and it brings me so much joy! I get to play volleyball AND hang out with my friends at the same time? Win-win! But sniffing those knee pads... that's taking an L, guys.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Sunday, I played a hard-fought coed game. When I was removing my shoes and knee pads to change into my off-the-court&nbsp;shoes (it really helps your volleyball shoes last longer if you only wear them on the court! Pro tip!), I smelled something so funky, I had to take a look around and make sure it was really me that was the source. Good day in the morning was that smell funky! Was it my shoes? Was it my bag? Was it my knee pads? Foolish, foolish, <i style="font-weight: bold;">foolish</i>&nbsp;me. I decided to sniff my knee pads.&nbsp;</div><div><a name='more'></a></div><div><br />Maybe sniff is putting it lightly. I took a deep inhale into those knee pads like I was at the end of a yoga class and it was that last deep breath before the om. Big mistake. Huge! I immediately started coughing -- maybe I was gagging? -- and was so horrified. It was like the smell jumped into my nostrils, traveled through my&nbsp;nasal cavity, and karate chopped me in the uvula. It was at this point that I felt personally victimized by my knee pads. 🤢</div><div><br /></div><div>"I gotta wash these ASAP," I told myself. Again, foolish. When was this going to happen, realistically? I had games on Monday, drop-in on Tuesday, and another game on Thursday! There was no way I was going to be able to wash and air dry all of my knee pads in time for all of that!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6B5g-MumQI/W9Kt7r_U8mI/AAAAAAAAtQg/2NewDwBmH5ojnjLc0zASGhdk6DLj3HsxQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181025_220948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6B5g-MumQI/W9Kt7r_U8mI/AAAAAAAAtQg/2NewDwBmH5ojnjLc0zASGhdk6DLj3HsxQCLcBGAs/s640/20181025_220948.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />And so, here we are. Thursday night. Four-plus hours of volleyball this week. Another hour tonight. Knee pads still hummin'. I needed to do something about this for real before I started another week with funky knee pads. What did I do? I grabbed a bottle of the <a href="https://www.windetergent.com/" target="_blank">WIN Detergent</a>&nbsp;I recently received and went to work.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgq1s9Rw3nd-JsFCBHI9pJDXNN__zXxhA3xwryz3ICQNL8tUFau_gSpIbJOcIDK_ryTMawBdTxAYPOp0wq1w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' /></div><div><br /></div><div>You don't need much to do the trick which is great! I thought I was going to have to use the entire bottle or set the knee pads on fire, quite frankly. <i>(Don't set your knee pads on fire.) </i>Fun fact:&nbsp;When you find yourself singing "Livin' on a Prayer" while your knee pads are washing, you know you have a problem. 🙈</div><div><br /></div><div>I've actually <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2014/11/win-detergent-review-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">used WIN detergent before</a>, but never on my knee pads. It worked great tonight, though! The odor was instantly neutralized, and I now feel like I can go back to living my best volleyball life.&nbsp;</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kX7kUoH4OpM/W9K1XcoiPDI/AAAAAAAAtQ8/eOlqEEPsTNYjmHc2AG-kAD5UFwoHkarVACLcBGAs/s1600/socozy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kX7kUoH4OpM/W9K1XcoiPDI/AAAAAAAAtQ8/eOlqEEPsTNYjmHc2AG-kAD5UFwoHkarVACLcBGAs/s640/socozy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />While my knee pads air dry, and I am awake past my bedtime, I took a nice shower, washed my hair, and drank a huge water bottle of cold water. Bedtime = time to slip into something cozy. And what's something cozy, warm, and funk-free I can wear on a chilly night like tonight? My prAna <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-pant.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw08XeBRC0ARIsAP_gaQCBb0se_yqtBJ0i78JHjw9D0FvmQhfYX0qy0fKkPxy3VnsKOAB5jyMaAr1wEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Cozy Up Pants</a> and <a href="https://www.prana.com/cozy-up-t-shirt.html" target="_blank">T-Shirt</a>! (Take 25% off with my prAna discount code <b>AREEprAna25</b>) I can sweat with reckless abandon in this cozy gear because the hemp blend used in this line is naturally odor reducing. Granted, I like to hope I don't <i>actually </i>sweat with reckless abandon, but who knows what kind of dreams I'm going to have tonight! You don't know my life!</div><div><br /><b style="font-style: italic;">Have you ever sniffed a piece of activewear or sports equipment and immediately wished you hadn't? Have you ever tried detergent specifically for sportswear? Are you a volleyball player who knows the struggle of keeping your knee pads fresh so that they can last longer? Do you have any friends who tell you, "</b>this stinks! Here! Smell it!<b style="font-style: italic;">"??? What's wrong with them?!&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8Y9WhgVU9A/W9K1OEMPq3I/AAAAAAAAtQ0/0hqsuaYJyrId8ZwLZ4E_pkiuGOaCAXgHwCLcBGAs/s1600/WINdetergentpinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="686" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8Y9WhgVU9A/W9K1OEMPq3I/AAAAAAAAtQ0/0hqsuaYJyrId8ZwLZ4E_pkiuGOaCAXgHwCLcBGAs/s640/WINdetergentpinterest.png" width="274" /></a></div></div>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/zUya7oNKZFQ/winning-on-and-off-volleyball-court.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/winning-on-and-off-volleyball-court.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-396581556240067906Tue, 23 Oct 2018 04:21:00 +00002019-01-01T21:05:46.337-05:00reviewTasty TuesdayTasty Tuesday: PS Snacks Cookie Dough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQp704ywVpA/W8_yAW1mrPI/AAAAAAAAtMM/u4bJHnUb-H4PMzdO3WmsI0HbR58CigGEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181024_001301_932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQp704ywVpA/W8_yAW1mrPI/AAAAAAAAtMM/u4bJHnUb-H4PMzdO3WmsI0HbR58CigGEQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181024_001301_932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><span id="goog_627551190"></span><span id="goog_627551191"></span><br /></i><i>In this new series, I will be posting quick reviews about different products I receive. I get a TON of free samples and full-size snack items to try. I give some away, share some with my fiance, and keep some for myself, but it seems like I never really tell you guys about them on here! This is my way of sharing different snack ideas with you all. For transparency's sake, I will let you know where/how I received the product, as well as my honest thoughts about them. </i><br /><i><br /></i>Have you guys ever heard of&nbsp;<a href="https://ps-snacks.com/" target="_blank">P.S.&nbsp;Snacks Cookie Dough</a>? Um, so these are amazing. They taste so good, and you're thinking you're eating something on the naughty list, but really? It's mostly beans! I don't even know how they do it, but I'm glad they do.<br /><br />So what are they? They're 3-ounce cups of goodness! They are vegan, gluten-free, clean snacks. I love having them after work or before a volleyball game.<br /><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_rK1lX7MPU/W8_zF4W740I/AAAAAAAAtMc/4p0uUsw-h-IHpCt93WgiHLuB_lAqHcrqwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181024_001955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1337" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_rK1lX7MPU/W8_zF4W740I/AAAAAAAAtMc/4p0uUsw-h-IHpCt93WgiHLuB_lAqHcrqwCLcBGAs/s640/20181024_001955.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />They come in three flavors: Chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter cookie dough, and fudge brownie cookie dough. I used to think chocolate chip was my favorite flavor, but I'm pretty sure that's because that was the only one I had for the longest time, so... My current favorite? Fudge brownie. YUM! So, so good. Bonus points for getting some extra fiber (4g) and protein (6g) from one little cup.<br /><br />I've had these at a number of fitness events, but most recently won a box of them as part of a giveaway with <a href="https://biohmhealth.com/" target="_blank">BIOHM</a>. They sell them in a lot of Whole Foods stores (but not all), so I'm going to have to pay attention the next time I shop there. These are definitely snacks that will be getting my coins!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KD7gSvsQVA/W8_zLjuodQI/AAAAAAAAtMk/5_iuY77Nn8QfTIKyRvWsDQmWD7hoRzQ8ACLcBGAs/s1600/20181024_001857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1144" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KD7gSvsQVA/W8_zLjuodQI/AAAAAAAAtMk/5_iuY77Nn8QfTIKyRvWsDQmWD7hoRzQ8ACLcBGAs/s640/20181024_001857.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br />Their website has some great <a href="https://ps-snacks.com/blogs/recipes" target="_blank">recipes</a>&nbsp;and creative ways to use the cookie dough. I think I'm going to try to make their overnight oats. If it ends up looking ugly, I'm not going to tell you guys, so you're going to have to use your imagination. But if it ends up coming out all Pinterest-worthy, you may see it appear all over my social media. #imjustsayin<br /><br /><b><i>Have you ever tried P.S. Snacks Cookie Dough? Have you ever tried a favorite dessert made with nontraditional ingredients? What did you think?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/AkHK-QYShyM/tasty-tuesday-ps-snacks-cookie-dough.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/tasty-tuesday-ps-snacks-cookie-dough.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-6984855299972722136Sat, 20 Oct 2018 02:29:00 +00002019-01-01T21:06:17.455-05:00give backvolunteerDiaper Deserts and Period Poverty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-piv6qa0fKPY/W8p5WVesaII/AAAAAAAAtHY/MiS-jchlre0YFXh4k_Q_yloWSaK3lAonQCLcBGAs/s1600/dcdiaperbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-piv6qa0fKPY/W8p5WVesaII/AAAAAAAAtHY/MiS-jchlre0YFXh4k_Q_yloWSaK3lAonQCLcBGAs/s640/dcdiaperbank.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This post is sponsored by U by Kotex but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Last week, I volunteered with an absolutely incredible organization: </span><a href="https://greaterdcdiaperbank.org/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">The DC Diaper Bank</a><span style="text-align: left;"> - an organization that provides diapers, feminine products, and other personal hygiene items to families in need. They are part of the </span><a href="http://www.allianceforperiodsupplies.org/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Alliance for Period Supplies</a><span style="text-align: left;">, which provides feminine products for women experiencing "<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/03/health/uk-period-poverty-asequals-intl/index.html" target="_blank">period poverty</a>." I spent a few hours at the Diaper Bank, packaging up groups of diapers and speaking to staff about their work in the community. It was such a wonderful experience, and I learned a lot while I was there.&nbsp;</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVE_EdgxRGA/W8qHTtzIB_I/AAAAAAAAtJU/Ch5n3rhzg405LxLchwZkqYjuZFMZzaoigCLcBGAs/s1600/DC%2Bdiaper%2Bbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1433" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVE_EdgxRGA/W8qHTtzIB_I/AAAAAAAAtJU/Ch5n3rhzg405LxLchwZkqYjuZFMZzaoigCLcBGAs/s640/DC%2Bdiaper%2Bbank.jpg" width="572" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Diapers are expensive, and when you really start breaking down how diapers are sold in communities, it gets even more troubling to me. Now, imagine being homeless or very low income, and it starts to paint an even more shocking picture of what parents have to endure to make sure that the basic hygiene needs of their children are met. Now consider this: 1 in 5 families in the DC Metro Area lives below the Federal Poverty Level.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_XPv8-f98A/W8p-i8uz4lI/AAAAAAAAtHk/jTuxzPXwp0Qi7f8ZGc_bPFlIu3LYIO07ACLcBGAs/s1600/packaged%2Bdiapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_XPv8-f98A/W8p-i8uz4lI/AAAAAAAAtHk/jTuxzPXwp0Qi7f8ZGc_bPFlIu3LYIO07ACLcBGAs/s640/packaged%2Bdiapers.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />For my volunteer time slot, I was tasked with packaging up diapers in groups of 25. Twenty-five seems like a nice number, right? Well, when it comes to diapers, apparently the answer is no. Some of the packs of diapers I unwrapped were in sleeves of 24, while others were in sets of odd numbers, like 17. Huh? There didn't appear to be a standard number across brands or sizes, or anything really.<br /><br />Did you know that newborns generally use about 8-10 diapers <b><i>per day</i></b>? So, a newborn could go through an entire pack of diapers in just 2 or 3 days. Many families buy memberships to certain stores so that they can get a good deal on diapers in bulk, but not all families can afford those memberships, or the transportation required to get the bulk items home. In fact, many low-income families live in communities where there are essentially <a href="https://medium.com/@ClintonFdn/the-unique-connection-between-diaper-deserts-and-book-deserts-you-need-to-know-now-c1c049c4d50e" target="_blank">diaper deserts</a> - in a pinch, you can only buy diapers from a corner store, and you can often only buy them <i><b>by the diaper</b></i>. I can't even begin to wrap my head around how much that would cost over time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z04U0xif7OM/W8qEjxtq8wI/AAAAAAAAtH4/mpZZ4TVSeiIoK3kgSXu4RBHWu_RBYB_xwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181009_130059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z04U0xif7OM/W8qEjxtq8wI/AAAAAAAAtH4/mpZZ4TVSeiIoK3kgSXu4RBHWu_RBYB_xwCLcBGAs/s640/20181009_130059.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />One <a href="https://greaterdcdiaperbank.org/" target="_blank">DC Diaper Bank</a> staff member shared a story with me about a social worker who comes to pick up packs of diapers from the Diaper Bank for their clients. This social worker shared that one of their clients had a daughter who was preschool aged and that she was going to school sporadically. When the mother was informed about the Diaper Bank, the child started attending school regularly. When asked what changed, the mother explained that, once she didn't have to buy so many diapers, she could actually afford to spend that money on bus rides so she could bring her daughter to school every day. The staff at DC Diaper Bank used this story to illustrate their belief that the Diaper Bank is really just a gateway resource, in that families learn about the ability to obtain a certain amount of free diapers per month, and that opens them up to learning about other resources available.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNW7dmlxd7s/W8qEm1Ez0aI/AAAAAAAAtIA/SwoSKhqWqMsXyTaKnuNzibwaiLCUYkIfwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181009_125916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNW7dmlxd7s/W8qEm1Ez0aI/AAAAAAAAtIA/SwoSKhqWqMsXyTaKnuNzibwaiLCUYkIfwCLcBGAs/s640/20181009_125916.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />This was also found to be the case with period supplies. Another member of their staff explained to me that they received a huge shipment of maxi pads and tampons from Kotex as part of the <a href="http://www.allianceforperiodsupplies.org/" target="_blank">Alliance for Period Supplies</a>&nbsp;fairly recently.&nbsp;<i>Fun fact: U By Kotex is a&nbsp;<a href="https://alliance-for-period-supplies-staging.b12sites.com/about-founding-sponsor" target="_blank">founding sponsor</a>&nbsp;of the Alliance for Period Supplies. The Alliance was founded in May of this year.</i><br /><br />They had a male social worker who they suggested take some feminine hygiene products to the organization where he works, and to see if anyone took them. He only took a small amount because he said nobody had ever expressed this need to him, and when he returned on another trip, he shared that he ran out. So many women needed them! A shocking statistic from the Alliance for Period Supplies says that 1 in 4 women struggled to purchase period products within the past year due to lack of income. I heard a report about homeless women and their need for menstrual products and it was so shocking to me. (If you're interested in reading more about the topic of period poverty, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/190092-this-is-how-homeless-women-cope-with-their-periods" target="_blank">this article</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/02/15/586134335/arizona-department-of-corrections-changes-sanitary-pad-policy-following-backlash" target="_blank">this report by NPR</a>.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHOlSw_Nb2A/W8qFV_iVt-I/AAAAAAAAtIk/nPeomYrsvkQdWvdk4RQMClIC4AWbIZqFACLcBGAs/s1600/20181009_125906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHOlSw_Nb2A/W8qFV_iVt-I/AAAAAAAAtIk/nPeomYrsvkQdWvdk4RQMClIC4AWbIZqFACLcBGAs/s640/20181009_125906.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, so this all begs the question: What can we do to help? Well, you can volunteer your time at an <a href="http://www.allianceforperiodsupplies.org/about-us-allied-programs" target="_blank">allied program in your area</a>&nbsp;or provide donations, but you can&nbsp;also purchase U by Kotex products at a participating retailer this month, and a day’s worth of period supplies will be given to a woman in need. You can visit <a href="http://ubykotex.com/" target="_blank">U By Kotex</a> to learn more or to find a participating retailer. What's cool is that major corporate sponsors are getting on board with tackling the period poverty issue. For example, Walmart will be donating $25,000 to the Alliance for Period Supplies this month.&nbsp;</div><br />If you're in the DC Metro Area, next week is <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/volunteers/community-service-week.html" target="_blank">Community Service Week</a> in Montgomery County, Maryland. I highly recommend signing up to volunteer with the DC Diaper Bank. They are extremely organized, and could really use the extra support. Weekends tend to fill up pretty quickly, so if you have time during the week to help out, that's your best bet. The cool thing about the DC Diaper Bank is that you can bring your kids to volunteer as well. There was a 4-year old who was in my volunteer group, and he was super helpful!<br /><br /><b><i>Have you ever heard about diaper deserts or period poverty? Have you ever volunteered at a diaper bank or allied program in your area?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/XNFmVjmIiok/diaper-deserts-and-period-poverty.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/diaper-deserts-and-period-poverty.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-7480090283839081546Thu, 18 Oct 2018 02:27:00 +00002018-10-30T22:24:04.798-04:00AnabellHIITKettlebell Chickskettlebellsreviewworkout reviewKettlebells and Dumbbells with Annabells Fitness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_X9UltoAGs/W7fEI_ttKCI/AAAAAAAAri0/-MPCE9lLIC05TiNi8bkAG7h5ELlj90FjQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180828_200148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fitness Snob Studio lobby" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_X9UltoAGs/W7fEI_ttKCI/AAAAAAAAri0/-MPCE9lLIC05TiNi8bkAG7h5ELlj90FjQCLcBGAs/s640/20180828_200148.jpg" title="sweating at Fitness Snob studio" width="360" /></a></div><br />That face is the face of a woman who got her butt kicked. (Okay, that's obviously a dramatic&nbsp;overreaction, but you get the idea.) I have taken the Luscious Legs and Arm Candy, Kettlebell Chicks, and Kettlebell 101 Swing Series classes taught by the <i style="font-weight: bold;">phenomenal</i>&nbsp;Anabell Browne. I have sweated my face off, I have nearly barfed (due to ingesting an insane amount of sparkling water leading up to a HIIT workout), and I have learned the proper way to do Russian swings with the kettlebell. Long story short: I came to class, I saw Ana work her magic, and I got conquered by all matter of fitness equipment.&nbsp; Let me back up and start from the beginning.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />If you've been following along here and on social media, you have seen me take a few&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/06/vixen-workout-at-fitness-snob.html" target="_blank">different types of classes</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesssnobstudio.com/" target="_blank">Fitness Snob Studio</a>&nbsp;in DC lately. In fact, I love the classes I've taken so much, I actually co-hosted an event there with my friend Vida (<a href="https://www.healthycurvesrock.com/" target="_blank">Healthy Curves Rock</a>) last month so that we could highlight the studio and introduce our #DMVFitnessFam to some of our favorite classes. (Plus, of course, I worked out with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/09/the-immortal-body-workout-with-cornell.html" target="_blank">Michelle Obama's trainer</a>&nbsp;at Fitness Snob too!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDBdPqEYcRk/W7fFU4Vy_6I/AAAAAAAArj0/f3UevQfojC081vcgfMwp2kdM17rbIwKxQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DMV Fitness Fam" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDBdPqEYcRk/W7fFU4Vy_6I/AAAAAAAArj0/f3UevQfojC081vcgfMwp2kdM17rbIwKxQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0533.JPG" title="DMV Fitness Fam kickoff event" width="640" /></a></div><br />There are two types of classes I've taken from one instructor that have simultaneously totally kicked my butt and made me want to come back for more: Kettlebell Chicks and Luscious Legs/Arm Candy with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anabellsfitness.com/" target="_blank">Anabells&nbsp;Fitness</a>. The two workouts were pretty different from one another but the end result was the same in that I felt like I got a full day's worth of exercise in under an hour, was sore for a couple of days, and felt stronger and champion-like. (I know that sounds a bit extra, but you know how I do.)<br /><br />I want to share with you about my experiences with the classes, why I think Ana is the bee's knees, and why I think you should try out one of her classes the next time you're in DC.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTUiE-PMTI0/W7fD6Bb8QnI/AAAAAAAAriw/Ok9trPadipgYiFjeO_QHOp448EDNOXTqgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ana Browne teaches a Luscious Legs and Arm Candy class in DC." border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTUiE-PMTI0/W7fD6Bb8QnI/AAAAAAAAriw/Ok9trPadipgYiFjeO_QHOp448EDNOXTqgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0527.JPG" title="Anabell Fitness and Luscious Legs and Arm Candy" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="https://www.anabellsfitness.com/team/" target="_blank">Ana knows her stuff</a>. First of all, look how fit she is! She's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kettlebellchicks/" target="_blank">one strong woman</a>! I love that she prefers working with women, and that she focuses so much attention on proper form. When I took her Kettlebell 101 Swing Series class, she really broke down every little part of each movement, including how to breathe, where you should be looking, and correct body positioning. It's rare for me to find an instructor who does that for any given class. Take note the next time you take a group exercise class. Did they go over body positioning with you? Did they tell you how to breathe? Ana wants to make sure that everyone is being safe in her classes, which also means that you're getting the most effective workout possible!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vq7FoIPOhuA/W7fEPabwIqI/AAAAAAAArjA/xvBSaHIspbYR9xK95IKHeg8Q_HxSta6xgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180811_104021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kettlebell Chicks class group photo" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vq7FoIPOhuA/W7fEPabwIqI/AAAAAAAArjA/xvBSaHIspbYR9xK95IKHeg8Q_HxSta6xgCLcBGAs/s640/20180811_104021.jpg" title="Kettlebell Chicks - a kettlebell workout for women" width="360" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first class I ever took with her was her Saturday morning <a href="https://www.kettlebellchicks.com/" target="_blank">Kettlebell Chicks</a> class. Man, I had not felt so weak in a long time! It started when she told us to select our kettlebell. I was given a 20-pound kettlebell to use, which I side-eyed with a dash of extra hostility. Ana noted that there was an extra 15-pound kettlebell in the front of the room in case anyone needed to size down, and before I had the chance to wimp out, someone grabbed that 15-pound kettlebell, effectively dashing my chance at a safety net. Rude.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, I managed to complete my workout with that 20-pound weight, which surprised even me (though, I am admittedly applying the word "complete" a little liberally here).&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The energy in the room was pretty incredible. A group of women, lifting heavy shiznit? It was great! I simultaneously felt weak and strong, embarrassed but empowered. I needed to do this again! But did I? Not exactly. Instead, I got talked into trying the Luscious Legs and Arm Candy on the following Tuesday night. "It's even harder than this," they said. "I thought I was going to die," they said. And to that, I said, "sign me up!" [Insert facepalm here.]</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOHkmgT6ntY/W7fEwU-ZCgI/AAAAAAAArjU/m0iXKk2xEhYC9oT4j9Da-UyRFmaS3tCRwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180828_195712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="group fitness studio setup" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOHkmgT6ntY/W7fEwU-ZCgI/AAAAAAAArjU/m0iXKk2xEhYC9oT4j9Da-UyRFmaS3tCRwCLcBGAs/s640/20180828_195712.jpg" title="setup for the Luscious Legs and Arm Candy class" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, they were totally right. Luscious Legs and Arm Candy was harder than the Kettlebell Chicks class, but it was very different. (Granted, I "completed" the Kettlebell Chicks class...) Both classes were really accessible for varying fitness levels, but I would argue that the Luscious Legs class was even more geared towards all fitness levels than Kettlebell Chicks because there were more opportunities for modifications. Luscious Legs isn't exactly a HIIT class, but it does have a lot of HIIT elements. I'd describe it more as a full-body conditioning class, with a stronger emphasis on the core, posterior chain, and arms/shoulders.<br /><br />This is such a fun class because of all of the energy in the room, plus Ana is doing the workout with you (natch). You are definitely working up a sweat and feeling the burn in dat booty, but it is so worth it! You <i style="font-weight: bold;">will</i>&nbsp;be sore, but you'll feel incredible after you get that great sweat in! (To my fellow&nbsp;<i>Office </i>fanatics out there I say "BTB - bring that booty" to Luscious Legs!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeUUmRNzReI/W7fEtFSei2I/AAAAAAAArjQ/SDTx-20rsBkMvZid6EpJMgtA0bp0W6bMgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180814_195759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sweaty selfie after workout" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeUUmRNzReI/W7fEtFSei2I/AAAAAAAArjQ/SDTx-20rsBkMvZid6EpJMgtA0bp0W6bMgCLcBGAs/s400/20180814_195759.jpg" title="thumbs up after a workout - sweaty selfie" width="300" /></a></div><br />I bought a 4-class pass for Luscious Legs (which I definitely recommend), so I got to try it out a couple of times before my 4th pass expired and I couldn't use it (whomp whomp). <i>Side note: I'm just going to blame my sister because we kept trying to go, but couldn't get our schedules to line up. I realize that's a cheap way out, but as you can see, that's the theme of this story.</i><br /><i><br /></i> When I saw that Ana was hosting a Kettlebell series where you can learn proper techniques over a 2-hour period, I was sold! I finally found a class that lined up with my schedule and got to try it out this past Sunday.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cQw4a3V5ec/W8fowRRSZxI/AAAAAAAAtFk/rD8G9ug_SvM9vGVKTr_oygON1ZJVUWmUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181014_161845_889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kettlebell workout class for women" border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1080" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cQw4a3V5ec/W8fowRRSZxI/AAAAAAAAtFk/rD8G9ug_SvM9vGVKTr_oygON1ZJVUWmUwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181014_161845_889.jpg" title="Group picture after a women's kettlebell workout seminar" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Talk about an amazing experience! She really broke down the moves, and I fell in love with kettlebells! This class truly was for all fitness levels: Two of the women in the class were certified personal trainers, one woman had never worked with kettlebells before, and another woman was a crybaby the last time she took Ana's class and was longing for a 15-pound kettlebell (let's be honest - she would've preferred a 5-pound kettlebell if they even make them), but we won't name names...&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This two-hour seminar was EV.REE.THING! You learned a lot about the history of kettlebell training, how to use the kettlebells properly, different types of swings, OH! And the most important thing that I learned was that kettlebell swings are great full-body workout moves! I especially appreciated that Ana walked around and really critiqued every single person's form in a way where you wanted to do it right for her, but also for yourself! She really wanted to make sure that everyone was doing the moves safely and correctly. You can tell that she's really passionate about kettlebells, but that it's of the utmost importance to her that you do it right. <i>Bonus: You got a class syllabus, and she gave you time to take notes and ask a lot of questions.&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAKfu-uDJD8/W8fuIGB3KcI/AAAAAAAAtGA/lNoM-wfKoeg3vnpME35W5-Pn1Z1D0J74QCLcBGAs/s1600/20181014_152258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAKfu-uDJD8/W8fuIGB3KcI/AAAAAAAAtGA/lNoM-wfKoeg3vnpME35W5-Pn1Z1D0J74QCLcBGAs/s640/20181014_152258.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All smiles after the Kettlebell Swing Series seminar and workout!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">I have met a lot of certified personal trainers and group exercise instructors in my time as a fitness blogger, and even before that as student-athlete. Few people I have met are in the same class as Ana as far as passion and drive are concerned. She is incredibly professional and just constantly set on grind mode. If you have a chance to take any of her classes, jump on it! I'm hoping to take </span><a href="http://bit.ly/Kettlebell-Chicks-Class" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">another kettlebell seminar</a><span style="text-align: left;"> with her in the next couple of weeks, and am considering retaking the one I </span><i style="text-align: left;">just</i><span style="text-align: left;"> took just so that I can really get my form down. Girlfriend is </span><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">amazing</i><span style="text-align: left;">!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Have you ever loved an instructor's classes so much that you just had to take everything they offered? Have you ever taken a kettlebell class? If you're in the DC Metro Area, have you considered taking one of Ana's classes? You need to get on it!</i></b></div>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/vS_dHZ2AKTE/kettlebells-and-dumbbells-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/kettlebells-and-dumbbells-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-6911544329240440263Wed, 17 Oct 2018 02:13:00 +00002018-10-30T22:24:29.197-04:00reviewTasty TuesdayTasty Tuesday: Bobo's Mini Chocolate Chip Oat Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EF_ZO8V7Ac/W8aTzaLS1OI/AAAAAAAAtFE/IRwlDfvaH1AuHvn5kVFq9rlS-4plbvGSgCLcBGAs/s1600/Tasty%2BTuesday%2B-%2BBobo%2527s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EF_ZO8V7Ac/W8aTzaLS1OI/AAAAAAAAtFE/IRwlDfvaH1AuHvn5kVFq9rlS-4plbvGSgCLcBGAs/s400/Tasty%2BTuesday%2B-%2BBobo%2527s.png" width="266" /></a></div><i><br /></i><i>In this new series, I will be posting quick reviews about different products I receive. I get a TON of free samples and full-size snack items to try. I give some away, share some with my fiance, and keep some for myself, but it seems like I never really tell you guys about them on here! This is my way of sharing different snack ideas with you all. For transparency's sake, I will let you know where/how I received the product, as well as my honest thoughts about them.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i>Okay, so these <a href="https://eatbobos.com/products/chocolate-chip-oat-bar" target="_blank">Bobo's Mini Chocolate Chip Oat Bars</a> are so good! I received them in a swag bag from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2249106645319565/" target="_blank">Old Town Alexandria Fitness + Wellness Festival</a>. I checked out the nutrition facts and determined that, while they are delicious, these aren't the <i>greatest</i> nutrition-wise, which isn't a total bummer, but that also means I can't justify eating them by the handful. They <i>are</i>&nbsp;gluten-free, though, so there's that. Nonetheless, that ain't gonna stop me from eating the ones I have! They're so delicious! They remind me of an oatmeal cookie mixed with a chocolate chip cookie. YUM! Plus, it's not the end of the world to eat something that you enjoy every once in a while, right?<br /><br /><b><i>What's a good snack or treat you tried this week? Do you enjoy a tasty treat that it's [fill in the blank]-free every once in a while?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/bbd4rXM2Nsc/tasty-tuesday-bobos-mini-chocolate-chip.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/tasty-tuesday-bobos-mini-chocolate-chip.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-245628622871085508Sat, 13 Oct 2018 04:25:00 +00002018-10-13T00:25:45.644-04:00dairy-freeFeaturedrecipessmoothieQuick and Easy Acai Bowl Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uVXsu5j2og/W8Fsjg5ZZ-I/AAAAAAAAsU0/Fs9vEYs4t3QjFHoDcFIAbf3mr7M5L24KgCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled%2Bdesign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="acai bowl" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uVXsu5j2og/W8Fsjg5ZZ-I/AAAAAAAAsU0/Fs9vEYs4t3QjFHoDcFIAbf3mr7M5L24KgCLcBGAs/s640/Untitled%2Bdesign.png" title="acai bowl recipe photo" width="425" /></a></div><br />Okay, so I made this acai bowl yesterday that was delicious and super easy! I'll reason with you guys: I almost never measure my ingredients when I'm creating a recipe. Sometimes I do, but a lot of it is trial and error, or just good old eyeballing.<br /><br />I use frozen acai puree from Trader Joe's for my acai bowls. The packets can be a little messy if you're not careful, but they come packaged with the perfect amount, plus they're already frozen, so it makes your acai bowl that much quicker and easier to make! TJ's has some great stuff in their frozen section that makes smoothie&nbsp;making super simple. If you haven't taken a close look at their frozen fruit, make a note to check it out the next time you're in their store!<br /><br />For this recipe, I used the following ingredients (almost all of which can be found at Trader Joe's), but note that I'm estimating the quantities. It's your&nbsp;bowl, so make it yours! Have some fun!<br /><a name='more'></a><b>Ingredients:</b><br />1 packet acai puree<br />1/4 cup frozen pineapple tidbits<br />1/4 cup mango chunks<br />2 Tbsp <a href="https://amzn.to/2yDOvG2" target="_blank">Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate</a>&nbsp;(affiliate link)<br />1/2 cup kale<br />1/2 cup blueberry lavender almond milk<br />Water (amount determined by your consistency preference)<br /><br /><b>Toppings (<i>optional</i>):</b><br />Pecan praline granola<br />Goji Berry <a href="https://noshbars.com/" target="_blank">Nosh Bar</a> (sample size)<br />1 small banana<br /><div itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe"><h1 itemprop="name">Quick and Easy Acai Bowl</h1><img alt="acai bowl" itemprop="image" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uVXsu5j2og/W8Fsjg5ZZ-I/AAAAAAAAsU0/Fs9vEYs4t3QjFHoDcFIAbf3mr7M5L24KgCLcBGAs/s640/Untitled%2Bdesign.png" /> <br /><br />Prep/Cook Time:<span itemprop="totalTime"> 5-10 mins</span> <br /><span itemprop="recipeYield">Serves 2-3</span> <br /><b>Ingredients: </b><span itemprop="ingredients">1 packet frozen acai puree</span>, <span itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup frozen pineapple tidbits</span>, <span itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup mango chunks</span>, <span itemprop="ingredients">2 Tbsp collagen hydrolysate</span>, <span itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup kale</span>, <span itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup bluberry lavender almond milk</span>, <span itemprop="ingredients">water</span> <br /><b>Instructions:</b> <span itemprop="recipeInstructions"> Combine all ingredients in blender, adding water as you see fit. Blend to your preferred consistency. Add toppings once you pour your smoothie into the bowl. Enjoy! </span></div>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/cCcYLa3zTK8/quick-and-easy-acai-bowl-recipe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/quick-and-easy-acai-bowl-recipe.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-4221301078568615752Tue, 02 Oct 2018 04:07:00 +00002018-10-13T00:34:09.766-04:00#DMVFitnessFamindoor cyclingVirginiaFree Spin Class Hosted by DMV Fitness Fam and Vortex Cycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OQ0Prng0Zc/W7LpRm_c2AI/AAAAAAAArdA/hNWcKHygRG05pMpRaXcnoNEe7Lk2ZKwfACLcBGAs/s1600/Vortex%2BInstagram.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OQ0Prng0Zc/W7LpRm_c2AI/AAAAAAAArdA/hNWcKHygRG05pMpRaXcnoNEe7Lk2ZKwfACLcBGAs/s640/Vortex%2BInstagram.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />This Saturday, I'm co-hosting my <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vortex-spin-with-dmv-fitness-fam-tickets-50719071107" target="_blank">second event</a> as part of the DMV Fitness Fam duo with my fit sister Vida from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthycurvesrock.com/" target="_blank">Healthy Curves Rock</a>! We're hosting a free spin class at <a href="https://www.vortexva.com/" target="_blank">Vortex Cycle</a> in Tyson's Corner, Virginia. The class will be a 45-minute ride, with high-energy tunes and a great atmosphere. Following the class, we will have networking and some light refreshments for all <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vortex-spin-with-dmv-fitness-fam-tickets-50719071107" target="_blank">event attendees</a>. (You guys already know how I feel about <a href="https://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/08/studio-review-vortex-in-virginia.html" target="_blank">Vortex</a>, so I'm not going to rave about the studio in this post.)<br /><br />Whether you're a fitness professional, influencer, or enthusiast, you're not going to want to miss out on this event! So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and <a href="http://dmvffvortex.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">register!</a> Bikes are filling up fast!<br /><br />Hope to see you there!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/4AVmw0V8URQ/free-spin-class-hosted-by-dmv-fitness.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/10/free-spin-class-hosted-by-dmv-fitness.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-2140533475238817974Tue, 18 Sep 2018 17:04:00 +00002018-10-30T22:23:46.773-04:00all naturalpalm oil freereviewMy Favorite New Soap Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bz3C_HlsYiA/W6EiTqoKiqI/AAAAAAAArSg/OeEB2QlnUMcqmZBO173spFFXuuZizLphACLcBGAs/s1600/soapscloseup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bz3C_HlsYiA/W6EiTqoKiqI/AAAAAAAArSg/OeEB2QlnUMcqmZBO173spFFXuuZizLphACLcBGAs/s640/soapscloseup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A few months back, I attended the <a href="http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/03/discover-arlington-fitness-wellness.html" target="_blank">Discover Arlington Fitness + Wellness Festival</a>. I got to try a bunch of new (to me) workouts, and I also got to sample some new food, beverages, and beauty products. One of the beauty tables that kept my attention: <a href="https://www.allthatyazz.net/" target="_blank">All That Yazz!</a> I am absolutely in love with <a href="https://www.allthatyazz.net/" target="_blank">All That Yazz</a>&nbsp;soaps and other products. I have very sensitive skin, so I have to be very careful with soaps. Fortunately, these homemade, all-natural soaps feel great on my skin, are better for the environment than what I might normally buy (especially with its minimalist, recyclable packaging), and have delicate scents that are not overwhelming or skin-irritating. Furthermore, the fact that Yasmine <a href="https://www.allthatyazz.net/copy-of-about" target="_blank">does not use palm oil</a> in her soaps is a plus-plus-plus!<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Axk4adlz1h0/W6CNqS3b54I/AAAAAAAArQk/0cuvxQ-88qAsoVDSNVeELslyQUpSWA-lACLcBGAs/s1600/allthatyazzdisplay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Axk4adlz1h0/W6CNqS3b54I/AAAAAAAArQk/0cuvxQ-88qAsoVDSNVeELslyQUpSWA-lACLcBGAs/s640/allthatyazzdisplay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />My favorite is the Himalayan Pink Salt Soap. I like to say that it has "de-funkdafying" qualities. This soap has gotten me through hot, summer workouts in stank nasty gyms or in the great outdoors. I'll be honest: I was not smelling excellent earlier this summer before I started using this soap. I'm not proud, but I have to keep it 100 with you guys! Ever since I started using this soap, however, I have found that I am a lot less stinky! I don't use this particular soap every day, but instead, use it when I'm extra funky or have done a challenging workout. It's amazing how it neutralizes the odor!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIxxjfm2mqc/W6CI-wHvZwI/AAAAAAAArQI/cbdffxTouOQYJpqfzfdyrUqKSj8Smn20gCLcBGAs/s1600/himalayan%2Bpink%2Bsalt%2Bsoap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pIxxjfm2mqc/W6CI-wHvZwI/AAAAAAAArQI/cbdffxTouOQYJpqfzfdyrUqKSj8Smn20gCLcBGAs/s640/himalayan%2Bpink%2Bsalt%2Bsoap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have a lot of "close seconds" from her shop. Shimmering Sands is giving my favorite soap a run for its money. It smells amazing on my skin! It's such a delicate fragrance on my skin. I just love it! The Citrus Scrub made my&nbsp;hands feel amazing! The foot fizzies&nbsp;were part of a much-needed Treat Yo Self moment I had a few weeks ago, and I gave some out to attendees at our fitness event over the weekend. Something Magical and Simply Blissful are&nbsp;also really nice soaps. I gave these out as gifts, but I loved the way they smelled so much, I had to go out and buy myself some more!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eioRZzWH7Wo/W6EfUExLZUI/AAAAAAAArSA/m4gg9wXGsecHO4x8BVy1moK8OXtk78OjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180918_084808_558_picmonkeyed%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="558" height="462" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eioRZzWH7Wo/W6EfUExLZUI/AAAAAAAArSA/m4gg9wXGsecHO4x8BVy1moK8OXtk78OjACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180918_084808_558_picmonkeyed%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Don't live in the DC Area? <a href="https://www.allthatyazz.net/shop" target="_blank">You can order online</a>!&nbsp;She ships all over the US. Bonus: If you follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allthatyazzsoap/" target="_blank">All That Yazz</a>&nbsp;on Instagram, you can find all sorts of fun facts about soap!<br /><br /><b><i>Have you tried all-natural soaps? Have you ever tried salt soap? What's your go-to soap for your funkiest days?</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDW_HQWDcIM/W6Eu5d05m6I/AAAAAAAArS8/fDGUEho0GfoPZ-ojAfHpko75_YQuZHQxgCLcBGAs/s1600/my%2Bnew%2Bfavorite%2Bsoap%2Bcompany.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDW_HQWDcIM/W6Eu5d05m6I/AAAAAAAArS8/fDGUEho0GfoPZ-ojAfHpko75_YQuZHQxgCLcBGAs/s1600/my%2Bnew%2Bfavorite%2Bsoap%2Bcompany.jpg" /></a></div><br />http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/s2AHYLKO92w/my-favorite-new-soap-company.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/09/my-favorite-new-soap-company.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-452494124972306732Mon, 17 Sep 2018 21:13:00 +00002018-10-30T22:23:18.238-04:00Immortal Body WorkoutMichelle ObamaThe Fitness Snobworkout reviewThe Immortal Body Workout with Cornell McClellan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtMZi7yiRkQ/W6AWHHzlcrI/AAAAAAAArPg/j5PdyVbUFSYEBsNhizM6dbOqtL1glqc4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180910_191701_910_picmonkeyed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtMZi7yiRkQ/W6AWHHzlcrI/AAAAAAAArPg/j5PdyVbUFSYEBsNhizM6dbOqtL1glqc4QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180910_191701_910_picmonkeyed.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br />Last week, I took my first class with <a href="https://fitnesssnobstudio.com/cornell-mcclellan/" target="_blank">Cornell McClellan</a> - personal trainer to the Obamas for over two decades - at <a href="https://fitnesssnobstudio.com/" target="_blank">Fitness Snob Studio</a>. I wanted to learn more about his <a href="https://fitnesssnobstudio.muvi.com/en/the-immortal-body-workout-full-series" target="_blank">Immortal Body Workout</a>, as well as some exercises and tips to help me get closer to those coveted Michelle Obama Arms. The class was great for all fitness levels, Cornell was engaging, and I learned some new exercises and corrections to exercises I thought I was doing right all along.<br /><br />I loved learning new exercises, as well as different modifications and variations to the exercises I've been incorporating into my workouts. (Check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flecksoflex/" target="_blank">this Instagram video</a> I made with the inchworm variation we did during the class.) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/naturallyfit_inc/" target="_blank">Cornell</a> made everyone in the class feel comfortable but also encouraged us to push ourselves throughout the class. He gave us a lot of cues to make sure we were completing each exercise correctly - even if we were all going at different paces.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />One exercise that I've randomly been struggling with, despite having done it successfully&nbsp;for years, is the reverse lunge. I don't know when I started having issues with this exercise, but when I realized it, I decided to focus on it. Well, fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on who you ask) we did a lot of lunges during this workout. What was great was the cueing Cornell gave that just clicked with me: Act like your legs are on separate tracks (I mean, they are, right), keeping your feet about shoulder width apart, and when you lunge, maintain your feet on those tracks. For some reason, I had been lunging back in basically a straight line, which is no bueno! Making this correction made a world of difference, and it was a simple enough cue that I could understand it mid-workout, replay it in my head throughout the workout, and remember it long after the workout. So helpful! Now I feel like I can get back on track with my lunge improvement! (Pun intended.)<br /><br />Stray observation: I have gotten pretty good at the endurance exercises, but man if my core ain't weak! Plus, my balance has been... less than ideal lately. I really have to focus on incorporating more core work into my regular workout routine.<br /><br />You can live stream tonight's class if you sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesssnobstudio.muvi.com/en/the-immortal-body-workout-full-series" target="_blank">here</a>. Can't watch it live? His classes are also available on demand! If you watch carefully, you can see a certain fitness blogger in the video from the first class... :-D<br /><br /><b><i>What's an exercise you've been struggling with lately? Have you learned any new exercises recently?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/ScjrUqdh4ww/the-immortal-body-workout-with-cornell.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/09/the-immortal-body-workout-with-cornell.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-2020982351561584959Fri, 07 Sep 2018 02:34:00 +00002018-10-30T22:22:59.721-04:00#livelikeyoumeanit#sponsoredproteinreviewMy Experience with a Plant Based Yogurt Alternative<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7lhB0u4Ebk/W5GpTGiW9eI/AAAAAAAArMg/Zhc3dQ6vNo0tr8RB-dIeE50RCvXTYfgGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180820_191809-01%2B-%2BLex%2BR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1027" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7lhB0u4Ebk/W5GpTGiW9eI/AAAAAAAArMg/Zhc3dQ6vNo0tr8RB-dIeE50RCvXTYfgGgCEwYBhgL/s640/20180820_191809-01%2B-%2BLex%2BR.jpeg" width="410" /></a></div><i>This post is sponsored by Vega, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own based on my truthful experience.</i><br /><br />I am not a morning person. At. All. But I am a night person, which means that a lot of the workouts I do are in the evening/nighttime, which is not necessarily ideal for making smart food decisions. I have made a lot of bad choices after late-night volleyball games, but I’ve really been making great strides at having lighter, protein-rich snacks/meals at night.<br /><br />Lately, I’ve been gobbling up the new <a href="https://ooh.li/b9a0df3" target="_blank">Vega Protein Cashewmilk Yogurt Alternative</a>. This is a plant-based yogurt alternative that has the highest protein per serving of any plant-based yogurt alternative on the market - 13 grams per serving! Your body needs carbs and protein after an intense workout to repair your muscles, and this yogurt alternative is a great way to hit both! Plus, it tastes pretty good! (It comes in raspberry, blueberry, vanilla, and strawberry flavors.) This is a brand with many products I’ve tried - particularly when I’m looking for plant-based alternatives.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I’m so happy that they carry this product at the Whole Foods near my house! You can find it in the section with yogurt alternatives at Whole Food. If you don’t have a Whole Foods near you, you can find out where else this product is sold by checking out <a href="https://myvega.com/pages/store-locator?PROD=838766000664" target="_blank">Vega’s locator here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9tj8LI7Yvg/W5GqVYTCqBI/AAAAAAAArMs/36kawKkM0yIxl0bUDBCQNcB0HQsX5oCKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180820_182414%2B-%2BLex%2BR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9tj8LI7Yvg/W5GqVYTCqBI/AAAAAAAArMs/36kawKkM0yIxl0bUDBCQNcB0HQsX5oCKwCEwYBhgL/s640/20180820_182414%2B-%2BLex%2BR.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />Okay, so this is all great, but when do I eat it? Interestingly, I haven’t been eating it for breakfast, which seems like the obvious choice, right? Instead, I’ve been eating it either between work and working out, or after a workout or volleyball game where it’s too late at night for me to eat a full meal. I like that it satisfies me enough to not have to go to bed hungry, while giving me a great source of plant-based protein!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNWC-k9Fd_c/W5GqexOaEWI/AAAAAAAArMw/MZB2c-m-pZAegnpb7A9NCJVVcZywNdndQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180823122353-01%2B-%2BLex%2BR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNWC-k9Fd_c/W5GqexOaEWI/AAAAAAAArMw/MZB2c-m-pZAegnpb7A9NCJVVcZywNdndQCEwYBhgL/s640/20180823122353-01%2B-%2BLex%2BR.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This fall, I’m really focusing on making better food choices on my journey to weight loss. It’s not easy, but there are so many tools available to make it less difficult. After teaching an indoor cycling class, instead of going to one of the fast casual spots outside of the gym, I know that I have some <a href="https://ooh.li/b9a0df3">Vega Protein Cashewmilk Yogurt Alternative</a> at home that I can tear up as soon as I walk in the door. A long volleyball doubleheader that ends at 10:30 p.m.? Bam! Chow down on the good stuff before I hit the shower. Bonus: It doesn’t require me to microwave or heat anything up, so I don’t make enough noise in the kitchen to wake up my fiance! (He’s a teacher, so he has to go to bed much earlier than I do.)<br /><br /><b><i>Now, don’t you want to try it out?! Which <a href="https://ooh.li/b9a0df3">flavor</a> are you most interested in trying out first?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/h8FoFmC2B-M/my-experience-with-plant-based-yogurt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/09/my-experience-with-plant-based-yogurt.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-3660688307703961026Fri, 31 Aug 2018 13:02:00 +00002018-10-16T22:16:40.772-04:00#SparklingDetoxGerolsteinersparkling mineral watersponsoredDear #SparklingDetox, Challenge Accepted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONQ1wJXM79o/W4k7CCxcgAI/AAAAAAAArIA/OPn6pCQbjpodsbcgNm6ES7y-h_LTr7NVgCLcBGAs/s1600/AlexisAug10%2BVirtual%2BCheers%2BIG%2BGrid.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ONQ1wJXM79o/W4k7CCxcgAI/AAAAAAAArIA/OPn6pCQbjpodsbcgNm6ES7y-h_LTr7NVgCLcBGAs/s640/AlexisAug10%2BVirtual%2BCheers%2BIG%2BGrid.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />With some challenges, I look them directly in the eyes and say, "challenge accepted!" With others, I raise my eyebrows, cock my head to the side, blink very slowly and dramatically (think Titus Andromedon), and say, "you gone do what to who?" When I first hear about the Sparkling Detox Challenge, my reaction was initially the latter. I can only drink sparkling water? No sweet tea? No lemonade? No coffee? NO CARAMEL MACCHIATOS? What is this sorcery?!<br /><br />Once I chilled out, I thought, hmmm. You know what? I can go 5 days without drinking anything but sparkling water. Stop being a crybaby! And so I did.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b><i>Cutting Caffeine Is The Focus of My #SparklingDetox</i></b><br /><br />When I had some genetic testing done by <a href="https://fitnessgenes.com/" target="_blank">Fitness Genes</a>, the results came back stating that my body processes caffeine very slowly. This was a real eye-opener for me; I was drinking a lot of caffeine! Now, I have really made efforts to cut back on the caffeine. After I took some time to process my results, I realized I was using coffee and lattes as sort of a safety blanket. When I would be having a particularly stressful day, I would go out for a little bit to walk to the Starbucks near my office, grab a caramel macchiato, and walk back. It used to help relax me when the going got tough.<br /><br />I believe in science, and I believe the results when they tell me that my body was not processing the caffeine quickly. So what were those daily walks all about? It was probably getting some fresh air, sunlight, and a change of scenery that made me feel better. Just to be safe, I decided to test it out. I would drink caffeine in the morning before work, and that would be all the caffeine I would drink for the day. Would I have enough energy to power me through the day?<br /><br />The short answer was yes. I definitely didn't have any caffeine cravings in the middle of the day, especially if I just went for a short walk instead (without stopping into Starbucks). Furthermore, the fact that I wasn't drinking caffeine in the middle of the day allowed me to actually fall asleep much more quickly at night, giving me a full night's rest and enough energy for the next day. You know what else it helped me with? Recovery! Getting more sleep allowed me to really give myself the rest my body required.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2A3Rtvnh0k/W4k7Y5re93I/AAAAAAAArII/Xs1Yrkb4TX81yGHCbdcpexIdbPT1fcgHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Virtual%2Bgame%2BIG%2Bstory%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2A3Rtvnh0k/W4k7Y5re93I/AAAAAAAArII/Xs1Yrkb4TX81yGHCbdcpexIdbPT1fcgHgCLcBGAs/s640/Virtual%2Bgame%2BIG%2Bstory%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />With the <a href="https://www.gerolsteiner-usa.com/sparklingdetox.html" target="_blank">Sparkling Detox</a>, I want to try to get rid of caffeine for the week and see where that takes me. I’m hopeful that I can cut out all of the caffeine without missing it too badly for those days, and that I see some other positive effects from the challenge. (I know that I’m really looking forward to the extra boost of magnesium you get from <a href="https://goo.gl/7ifLP9" target="_blank">Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water</a> - 26mg in just 8 oz! I’d much rather drink it in my water than have to take supplements!) I will be sure to share with you all how I’m feeling with the detox while I’m in progress, and once I get to the end. I’m really looking forward to it!<br /><br />The challenge takes place from August 27-31 this year. You can learn more about the Sparkling Detox Challenge <a href="https://goo.gl/7ifLP9" target="_blank">here</a>, and join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/745328502182106/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a> for additional tips and information about the benefits of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water. There are also some great recipes that folks have been sharing in the Facebook group, in case you want to use the opportunity to clean up your diet a bit while you’re doing the detox. Definitely check it out if you want to join, or even if you’re just curious about it.<br /><br /><b><i>Have you ever taken the #SparklingDetox Challenge? Have you ever cut out everything but water from your diet? Have you ever side-eyed a challenge?</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/usofFnDRaro/dear-sparklingdetox.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/08/dear-sparklingdetox.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-3136672547509778925Wed, 29 Aug 2018 18:47:00 +00002018-10-16T22:16:58.430-04:00#SparklingDetoxGerolsteinersparkling mineral waterTaking On The #SparklingDetox Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_gU92GJmU0/W4bRZAPFz1I/AAAAAAAArHE/rISUVQLUPdk50laaeEfZJpCLJ2mCfPImwCLcBGAs/s1600/AlexisBlog%2BPost%2BImage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_gU92GJmU0/W4bRZAPFz1I/AAAAAAAArHE/rISUVQLUPdk50laaeEfZJpCLJ2mCfPImwCLcBGAs/s640/AlexisBlog%2BPost%2BImage.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><br />It has been super hot and super rainy in Maryland for the last month. Like, super hot and super rainy. And, if you’ve been following along with my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flecksoflex/" target="_blank">social media posts</a>, you know that I’ve been working really hard at my fitness these days. Like <b><i>super</i></b> hard!<br /><br />I now have almost double-digit indoor cycling classes under my belt as an instructor (number 10 is tonight!), I’ve been practicing HIIT classes with friends, and I even just got certified to teach <a href="https://twitter.com/onelifefitness/status/948204500438876160?lang=en" target="_blank">APEX</a> classes. Needless to say, with all of the sweating and excessive heat going on, your girl has had to focus on hydration.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />On days where I teach indoor cycling and follow it up with a volleyball game (which happens way more often than you’d think), I <b><i>really</i></b> need to make sure I’m drinking enough water -- especially when I play at the gym where the floor itself sweats. Seriously, it’s so gross and hot there, and the slippery floor can really mess you up!<br /><br />Needless to say, I have water bottles in just about every place where I spend time on a given day. In my car, in my gym bag, at my desk, at home -- everywhere! If I had big enough pockets, they’d probably be in there too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1QEI3bhByYs/W4bRWo0ok2I/AAAAAAAArHA/mrxCq_7N1QAQoR4GerlaAwDhWQ2zdCyfACEwYBhgL/s1600/Alexis%2BPost-spin%2Bphoto%2Bfor%2Bblog%2Bpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1QEI3bhByYs/W4bRWo0ok2I/AAAAAAAArHA/mrxCq_7N1QAQoR4GerlaAwDhWQ2zdCyfACEwYBhgL/s640/Alexis%2BPost-spin%2Bphoto%2Bfor%2Bblog%2Bpost.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />This month, as a way to <b><i>really</i></b> focus on my hydration, and to cut out some drinks that I really don’t need every day, I’m going to be participating in the Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water’s <a href="https://goo.gl/7ifLP9" target="_blank">Sparkling Detox Challenge</a>! It’s a 5-day challenge where you try to drink only sparkling mineral water. That means no green tea lattes, no regular lattes, and no sodas or juice, or any other things you might drink! From August 27-31, you drink only the delicious and refreshing <a href="https://www.gerolsteiner-usa.com/home.html" target="_blank">Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water</a>. I’m super excited to try it out because I love a challenge, and I really need to detox from all of the caffeine I’ve been drinking lately. I’ve been going a little overboard if I’m being honest. Plus, since I’m basically doubling the number of workouts I’ve been doing each week, I really need to up my water intake. My usual amount ain’t gonna cut it!<br /><br />So, this whole challenge has a special bonus: 200 participants will receive a free case of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water! Just visit <a href="https://goo.gl/7ifLP9" target="_blank">this site</a> to enter to win, and make sure you enter the promo code <b>ALEXIS18</b>. Can you imagine: Winning a prize for doing something you should be doing every day (drinking water)? Totally a win-win situation. Plus, you can join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/745328502182106" target="_blank">Facebook group</a> for the challenge, and interact with others who are giving it a go!<br /><br />If you want to pick up your own Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water to drink during the challenge, you can <a href="https://www.gerolsteiner-usa.com/where-to-buy.html" target="_blank">find out where they are sold near you</a>.<br /><br />Good luck everyone!<br /><br /><i><b>Have you ever cut out all drinks except for water? Do you think you could make it for five days straight? How do you make sure you’re drinking ample water?</b></i>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/Prkqr0KBRn8/taking-on-sparklingdetox-challenge.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/08/taking-on-sparklingdetox-challenge.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775748705917998883.post-6599350930643600209Thu, 23 Aug 2018 23:59:00 +00002018-10-16T22:18:29.654-04:00beautyreviewMy Honest Opinion of Honest Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NAEDljSCSk/W3ifMdSYyaI/AAAAAAAAq1Q/P8LjSYrvnRwunhkMchMXOAfWJPeeUjd9gCLcBGAs/s1600/honestbeautyselfie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="950" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NAEDljSCSk/W3ifMdSYyaI/AAAAAAAAq1Q/P8LjSYrvnRwunhkMchMXOAfWJPeeUjd9gCLcBGAs/s640/honestbeautyselfie.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A couple of weeks ago, I attended BlogHer in New York City. It was a fun opportunity to get out of the area for a couple of days, connect with other content creators and influencers, and see some friends. While I wish I could have gotten a bit more from the conference itself, I did get an opportunity to hear from some great speakers and try out some brands for the first time.<br /><br />One brand that I had an opportunity to try was <a href="https://www.honestbeauty.com/" target="_blank">Honest Beauty</a> - Jessica Alba's beauty line from her <a href="https://www.honest.com/" target="_blank">Honest Company</a>. They partnered with <a href="https://www.theglamapp.com/" target="_blank">The Glam</a><a href="https://www.theglamapp.com/" target="_blank">&nbsp;App</a>&nbsp;to set up a makeup booth where BlogHer attendees could get their makeup done, and leave the event with a lip crayon, magic beauty balm, and primer.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpKQ76OQS2g/W3jZDgvEalI/AAAAAAAAq3Y/On1KZmz5qOcGonNzVKOq5RqbMDk8GNtigCLcBGAs/s1600/honestbeautyproducts2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="441" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpKQ76OQS2g/W3jZDgvEalI/AAAAAAAAq3Y/On1KZmz5qOcGonNzVKOq5RqbMDk8GNtigCLcBGAs/s640/honestbeautyproducts2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My makeup artist, <a href="https://malikabelfor.carbonmade.com/" target="_blank">Malika Belfor</a>, did an amazing job! I don't wear makeup every day, so when I do choose to wear makeup, I generally like to keep things light and natural-looking. And so, I already had some tinted moisturizer on when I arrived at her chair. I was feeling like caca&nbsp;(I would later learn it was because I had a pretty bad cold), so I decided to wear some makeup to brighten up my face a little and look less like a zombie. Little did I know Malika was going to take me from "not a zombie" to fabulous!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FC53jMk1y4/W3ifJ5cJi2I/AAAAAAAAq1I/nbJP4qU5bU4EJ8FNSCwdDJp_E0xDE5H9ACLcBGAs/s1600/honestbeautyglamapp.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FC53jMk1y4/W3ifJ5cJi2I/AAAAAAAAq1I/nbJP4qU5bU4EJ8FNSCwdDJp_E0xDE5H9ACLcBGAs/s640/honestbeautyglamapp.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />She gave me a smokey eye with a beautifully-colored&nbsp;eyeshadow, some creme cheek blush, a little highlight with the&nbsp;luminizing&nbsp;glow powder, some lip color, a little mascara, and Elevated Hydration face mist. I was feeling myself when she was done! Plus, I found a new product I love: the lip crayon! I absolutely&nbsp;<i style="font-weight: bold;">love&nbsp;</i>the <a href="https://www.honestbeauty.com/products/lip-crayon-sheer" target="_blank">lip crayon</a>! Malika gave me&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/2BFlwGi" target="_blank">Sheer Rose</a>&nbsp;(<i>affiliate link</i>) to wear, and I also received <a href="https://amzn.to/2wkOJR2" target="_blank">Sheer Bordeaux</a>&nbsp;(<i>affiliate link</i>). It goes on so smoothly and easily, and the colors are great! They don't last you all day - especially if you drink as much water as I do - but a little bit goes a long way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgH1rmXleOw/W3jVbyCBmvI/AAAAAAAAq2s/VaXse_tdN0YbafTWU-XSh7o8v7IfFiS9QCLcBGAs/s1600/honestbeautylipcrayons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1600" height="521" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgH1rmXleOw/W3jVbyCBmvI/AAAAAAAAq2s/VaXse_tdN0YbafTWU-XSh7o8v7IfFiS9QCLcBGAs/s640/honestbeautylipcrayons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />What I love about these products was that the colors looked great on a range of skin tones, they didn't cause my extremely sensitive skin to react, they don't test on animals, and the packaging is recyclable!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzymPptdCXA/W3jaasFsGBI/AAAAAAAAq3s/oAT-MziLNF801kPfTNwlIYeYD3qXmKjkQCLcBGAs/s1600/honestbeautybox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="gr-progress" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzymPptdCXA/W3jaasFsGBI/AAAAAAAAq3s/oAT-MziLNF801kPfTNwlIYeYD3qXmKjkQCLcBGAs/s640/honestbeautybox.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Fun fact: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, <a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g20757840/shop-meghan-markle-wedding-makeup/" target="_blank">used some Honest Beauty products</a> for her royal wedding!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YToiYBWeuOk/W3jYqp_cpZI/AAAAAAAAq3Q/V44oKQLkQ_s-n3prLNsIZHpVcJW691a6ACLcBGAs/s1600/everythingprimer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1600" height="592" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YToiYBWeuOk/W3jYqp_cpZI/AAAAAAAAq3Q/V44oKQLkQ_s-n3prLNsIZHpVcJW691a6ACLcBGAs/s640/everythingprimer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Okay, so where can you buy Honest Beauty products? Of course, you can buy them online, but you can also buy <a href="https://www.target.com/c/natural-makeup/-/N-4smdsZq6326?lnk=makeup&amp;Nao=0" target="_blank">Honest Beauty at Target</a>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38Q4BvovZ6Q/W3jgOm6LubI/AAAAAAAAq4A/JwMWCm-w49I6aVGdQYB7fA5Ru56KlDyygCLcBGAs/s1600/pasta.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38Q4BvovZ6Q/W3jgOm6LubI/AAAAAAAAq4A/JwMWCm-w49I6aVGdQYB7fA5Ru56KlDyygCLcBGAs/s1600/pasta.png" /></a></div><br /><b><i>What do you look for in a beauty brand? Have you ever tried Honest Beauty? Have you ever had your makeup done by a professional?&nbsp;</i></b>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/flecksoflex/BYkB/~3/0-N40f21IDc/my-honest-opinion-of-honest-beauty.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Alexis Reed)0http://www.flecksoflex.com/2018/08/my-honest-opinion-of-honest-beauty.html